The Love of My Life

Being a mom was the furthest thing from my mind when I was young, and even as I grew older. Somewhere around the 8th month of my pregnancy I decided that perhaps being a mom wouldn't be too bad. Surely I could get used to it ... of course, I could do this.

People would tell me -- your life will never be the same -- you'll find it hard to remember what life was like before him -- your life will take on a purpose -- this will be the hardest job you've ever had. I remember thinking they were positively NUTS.

For all of those statements I remember thinking.....

Never be the same? What could be different? It's just another person, and they'll mesh into my schedule.

You'll find it hard to remember what life was like before him? Do what? There's no way someone will fill my life to the point where I feel as if they've always been a part of me.

Your life will take on a purpose? Get a grip. My life is very full. How sad can a person be if they need a baby to give their life purpose.

This will be the hardest job you've ever had? You've lost your mind! I teach high school in the public system. You think that's easy?

Well....close to 20 years later - I think each and every one of those people knew exactly what they were talking about, and I find myself repeating these statements to other expectant parents!

Last year when he and I were walking around college campuses - I was walking next to this 6'1" young man - where did that little fella go that I held hands with that first day I walked him into his kindergarden classroom? I can still see the Batman backpack and the Batman lunch box and the tennis shoes that lit up when he took a step. I remember trying so hard to hold it together so he wouldn't see how upset I was that first day. I cried all the way to the car.

While looking at college campuses last year -- I remember trying so hard to hold it together so he wouldn't see how upset I was over reaching the point in life where he would "leave." He'd just look at me - knowing how scared of this new move I was - and tell me to get a grip it wasn't like he was leaving forever. One day a young woman or young man will tell him the same thing.

All the swim practices -- all the soccer practices -- all the basketball practices.

All the swim meets -- all the soccer games -- all the basketball games.

All the field trips -- all the school parties -- all the school programs.

They were not in vain. None of it was wasted time. I loved every minute of all of it.

He's grown into such a wonderful young man.

He's outgoing.

He doesn't know a stranger.

He has a wonderful sense of humor and keeps me laughing.

He's respectful of himself and others.

He's polite.

He's my son. He's the hardest job I've ever had. He's given my life purpose. He changed my entire being. From the very second he was born my life has never been the same.

He is the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me.