I am the mom to a fourteen year old boy, and 10 year old girl, and a three year old little boy. I love my children in many different ways. My oldest was my first child, he grew up with me in a way. My daughter came next, and she is like my little mini me. And then Jacoby, the baby. The child that I am in complete awe of, everytime I look at him, because I know just how precious he is. And I know, after having two before him, how fleeting this time is in his life and to appreciate the moments.
But tonight, I am talking about my oldest. I have never been a fourteen year old boy. I can't imagine what that is like. I have never had divorced parents. I never lost a parental figure. I never was a stepchild. My son, has experienced more in his fourteen years more than I have, in many ways. And for the most part, he is a well mannered, well spoken young man. Does he do things that drive me absolutely crazy? More than you could ever know. But does he have a good heart? The best.
I am writing this because he has weighed on my heart a lot lately. I moved him across the country - and he was willing to go. He started a new school, that is triple in size than the high school that he would have went to, and he went with a smile. No fear. His first day of school - he didn't have a schedule. He went with a smile. I have never been as strong as that kid. He has seen more in his fourteen years than many people in the US see in their lives. He has experienced more pain, and pain of his family, than I ever came close to. And he still does it with a smile.
So what I am saying, Is I am thankful. Thankful for the resilience of a child. Thankful for all that he has taught me. Thankful for the trips we have went on together. The adventures we have had. And I look forward to the many to come. I have not been the perfect parent, I wish I had. I have learned a lot with him - and I know that I am a better parent to Bella because of it, and even better to Jacoby.
To be honest, on June 22, 2011 - Tariq was a little boy. On June 23, 2013 - he was almost a man. Overnight he grew up - literally. And he has never been the same. I think, at times, I have expected a lot from him, because of how adult he can act. Which makes me sometimes forget, that he is still a kid. Learning. Figuring things out.
So this post is for my son. I love you Tariq. To the moon and back again - and I know I am not the perfect momma. But you are most definitely the perfect son. And God blessed me so much by giving me you. I love you baby.... More than you could ever know. And I just felt like you should know it too!
