In just a few hours ... it will be my oldest son's 16th birthday. It was a day just like today when he was born ... cold, snowy, sleety, nasty weather that made you worry about being able to get to the hospital. Only it's Wednesday today and it was Thursday then. I was home all day long wanting to make sure that I didn't go to the hospital too early and I also really wanted to be able to eat food because I knew that once I was there I wouldn't be allowed to eat. So I stayed home and watched TV all day with the little kid upstairs from where we lived ... and went for a few long (cold, wet and snowy) walks and finally in the midst of my favorite TV show (THE COSBY SHOW !!!) I had to concede that "it was time" and went to the hospital. Of course ... it was an icy, nasty trip over the one and only bridge leading into Boston and we didn't get there a minute too soon. I got to my room at 8:30 and had Thomas about an hour later.
And what an amazing journey it's been since then. An immediate "holy shit what do I do know" that lead to 16 years of nothing but wonderment. I can't say I would trade a minute of the last 16 years for any other experience -- even in the depths of frustration, despair and "what the hell is THIS about". I wouldn't trade any test of every boundary any more than I would trade in all those wonderful hugs, kisses, "I love yous", "I need you", and "you're the best mom in the worlds."
Today was a perfect day -- it snowed and there was no school which allowed the ever-slothful young Thomas to sleep to a ripe time of 1pm and then laze around watching TV and playing video games with his friends. It was great to have a snow day to be home with the kids, their friends and the dogs and just enjoy the day. Be in the moment. Be totally present. And be grateful and thankful for all the amazing experiences that both of my kids have brought to my life.
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