What Happened to 40 years?

My son, Paul will turn 40 this fall. Now, unless I can convince people that it is common for a child of 10 to give birth, this is as big a deal for me as it is for him. Part of me clings to the wonderful boy who presented me with a box full of snakes -"They're so little mom, can't I keep them in my bedroom?" - who told me it was okay if I stood up in front of church and talked "as long as you're not going to be bad at it" and who never backed away when I asked for a kiss. But he is not a boy any more, he is a man. A tall, handsome, smart, compassionate, 40 year old man who presented me with my first grandchild, Quinn.

Quinn is now 7 and so much like his father it makes my heart ache in the most lovely way. Quinn adores and participates in sports - hockey, soccer, and flag football so far. He loves when we show up for games, asks me to tell one more story about his dad when he was little, and, like his father, never backs away when I ask for a kiss.

Today is Mother's Day and Quinn walked into the restaurant carrying a card and, with a telling grin on his face, handed it to me back side up. The picture below graced the back of the envelope.

Now, just in case you can't interpret 7 year old art, his story reads Quinn plus Josie (his sister - you can tell by the long hair) plus Elroy (his cousin, son of my daughter Miriam and son-in-law John) equals Ahma (more long hair) and love.

Okay, I'm will to give up the illusion of being a young mother with an adorable son for the reality of being an Ahma with 3 precious grandchildren. That's love all right and a change I can live with!

Comments

[Kim of]

Happy (early) Birthday to Paul!
He is so blessed to have such a wonderful mother!!
There is something powerful and magical about telling the stories of children- the box full of snakes. I'm sure Paul loves to hear you remember these stories, and they are sure to bring a smile to your face also. These precious memories keep his childhood alive and within arms reach, which is a wonderful blessing in adulthood.