I’ve loved you so long ~ fiercely, unashamedly, and with total abandon. Without reserve, with all that I am.
You captured my heart the day you were born. I loved the way you laughed, bounced up and down in your bed, and made the springs squeak. I watched you run down the hall with a sagging diaper and a smile on your face. I watched you taking little baby steps in the back yard, feasting on dirt and wearing a gleeful muddy mustache.
Your tiny hands were fallen stars from heaven ~ busy little stars decorated with frogs and rocks and all those little boy treasures….oh, how I wanted you to be a toddler forever!
Then I loved you when you were a little boy who smelled the way little boys smell after playing outdoors…except for your hair, which never ceased to smell of heaven. (And still does.)
Pride welled up when I watched you soar across the stage on roller skates in your kindergarten play. Oh yes, and I was there to see you hop from the fence onto the horse’s back to fly around the pasture with gleeful abandon. And when you dropped the phone out of the tree house just to see if it would break. And when you stood on a ladder to dunk the basketball so you could video tape yourself…
It was my joy to watch you become a skilled musician ~ especially when you played just for me alone. And I still laugh when I think of the way you lined up your stuffed animals and video taped them as a rock band ~ wildly moving them around with their home made cardboard instruments.
Oh my goodness!
Your art! Your music! Your sense of humor! Who was ever more gifted than you?
Everything you drew, or wrote, or played, or sang; every word you spoke, every move you made ~ became a cherished treasure that I tucked secretly away, praying I’d never forget a single detail. Comfort food for the soul, restoration for an overwhelmed mom. Healing memories that remind me that I wasn’t such a bad mom after all. And that those weren’t just good times, they really were the best of times.
What a thrill to see all the promise, all the gifts, all the qualities that would make you a success in life. I saw the beauty in your gifted soul. I saw the poet, the artist, the musician. And today you are exactly the man I expected you would be.
You’re much older now, of course. Years have come and gone. But even today when I look at you I still see the promise of a happy little boy who became a fine man, a greater treasure still. And you’ve pointed me to God and helped me learn what true love is.
Thanks to being your mom I’ve gained a small glimpse into the heart of God ~ Who sees only the best in each and every one of us. Who thrills to the promise that He’s built into each soul ~ the promise of a successful future and a life dedicated to His glory. Who anticipates our successes. Who aches when we hurt, Who knows when we fall, Who’s there to pick us up, and Who never leaves us. Who yearns with every fiber of His being for us to follow Him and find the fulfillment that He has purposed for each of us. And who always see us as His beloved children, just as I see my son ~ forever my baby.

Becky,
You are such a gifted writer. Your words are so inspiring and your strong faith shines forth from within. I am so blessed to call you my “sister”-in-law.
Thank you for your inspiration…Janet
Thank you so much, Janet! Your kind words are greatly appreciated. Love to you and the family, always.
Becky, this so describes that precious boy and man and Father we love so much. I remember so many of these things. And I love how he loved his grandparents and how Daddy’s face would light up every time Todd’s name was mentioned. I love Todd and thank God for Him. Love you too!!
Thank you for reading this and for sharing your thoughts. I know that you love him too, and I knew you’d understand exactly what I’ve written… Love you too!
This is a very touching piece – Lovely writing too
P
Thanks, Paul! I value your opinion, my friend.
Becky- how beautiful is this?! I’ve often thought how amazing the gift of parenting is- God allowing us to experience that unconditional love! beautifully written- praying John is recovering and doing well! hugs sweet sister!
THANK you Cindy! I so appreciate your taking the time to read this and comment. Love you much!!
Becky you are so talented and so blessed,that was heart warming to read.