A young boy sits in front of me eating what is sure to be his millionth bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. His face has slimmed up a good bit from its once pudgy baby face. He catches me looking at him and gives me a shy grin. At 7 years old, I feel it’s been a lifetime since he was that tiny baby that made me a mom at 28 years old, a journey we started together when we first confirmed I was pregnant- so much excitement and so much fear. It’s true what they say- days are long and years are short. As it write this, I will look up, and he will be a young man.

When we decided to have a second child, I feared for how it would make him feel. I didn’t want him to feel left out. And when his brother made his arrival, proud big brother came in with his Ipad capturing mom and new baby. It was though, he too, felt what Will and I had felt. This baby was his too, and he was going to help take care of him.

I hope he knows how proud of him we are. Riding to school hearing you talk about your favorite games or asking questions I can’t begin to answer (thank you Google), is one of my favorite times of the day. Picking you up is also a highlight, and as much as I feel I need a break and some down time, I miss you in those moments when you are not around.

Son- I want you to know how much we love you and will always love you. I will always be here. I’m so thankful for you. Don’t ever be afraid of who you are! Thank you for being the light in what can sometimes be a very dark world. Remember, too, to always find the good in people (although they will disappoint you sometimes) and be positive (even when it’s hard and things aren’t going your way). There is always something to be thankful for! When all else fails, remember you have a mom and dad who love you and will do anything for you.

I love you William Michael!