Sunday, June 13, 2010

My Son, My Heart

Jen's having a little free-for-all fun this week. "Mystery Spin." As in you let her know you are playing and she emails you your topic.

I got a "free spin."

With so much latitude, it took me a couple of days to decide which way to go. That was a great thing, as it helped me think of topics I am interested in writing about now that summer is here and I have some free time.

But this post needed to be written. So, here it is.

Our Son graduated from high school a couple of weeks ago. We have two children and he is our youngest. A wonderful, yet bittersweet moment.

So, this post is for him. A bit of his past played out on the internets.
From the instant you were born, you brought a sense of humor to our world. So full of life and grabbing each moment by the horns and riding it for all it was worth. I look at this photo of you during that first year and wish I could hold you as a baby one more time. But the memory is tactile and lives in my heart. All I have to do is close my eyes and it is there.

Your first word was b-ball. You would lean out from your stroller when we passed a basketball hoop or boys playing, and with wiggly, grabby fingers go, "b-ball, b-ball, b-ball."


We have a lot of stories about your forthrightness of speech. Some might say a lack of filter.

Like when you were in kindergarten and (admittedly) had the world's worst teacher (not a great start to your education). You did not hold back on letting her know how she could improve her skills and get that classroom up to par per your preschool experiences. Some of the phone calls I received from your teacher were for these kinds of remarks by you:

Why do you make us write five sentences when you haven't taught us what a sentence is?

When you make me correct all my mistakes, it makes me hate writing.

You know Ms B, you should try calling what we do activities instead of work. At least then we might at least have some hope it will be fun.
You have always had a big heart for your family. You might come off like a toughie from time to time, but underneath, your love for family always prevails. You love animals, especially dogs. Look out anyone who is abusive to an animal if you are around. You always protect the weak.

Your sense of adventure is immense. It tests the limits of my own ability to calm my fears as a mother. You love big waves and jumping off of things. Your zest for life and living it to the fullest is remarkable.

Life has thrown you a curve ball or two. Watching you learn to navigate this rough terrain and learn how to surmount obstacles has set me on a spiritual path of my own. As I learn how to let go and when, while learning also how to be there for you when you need me.

As you move from childhood to adulthood, I wish for you many things.

That you always appreciate the good times and know when to take a moment to swing through the trees with a smile.
That you have many, many more proud moments where you can celebrate your accomplishments.

That whatever obstacles life throws in your path, you work through to reach your goals.


That you are happy.

That you are always surrounded by people who love you.

Congratulations on your high school graduation Son. We love you. We are so proud. May each year of your life take you exactly where you need to be.

We will always support you, where ever your life takes you.

XOXOXOXOXO
Mom and Dad

For more mystery spins, head on over to Sprite's Keeper.

33 comments:

cheatymoon said...

this makes me smile. I'm glad you posted this... will he see it?

xo

Lori said...

How beautiful. Your son is so blessed to have you for a mother...that you have loved him from the beginning to here is so evident. Congratulations to him and you for getting him here. I hope that his future will be full of adventure for him and that he will not forget the people that gave him his wings to fly. XX

tulpen said...

Ack. That was so sweet. The stuff about the crappy teacher cracked me up. What a hot shit!

Brian Miller said...

ah, what a beautiful tribute..you gave me lots of smiles. sounds like you have quite the young man there...

Vodka Mom said...

and with THAT, I am crying again.

I feel your pain, your pride, your love and your awe.


I am so very happy for him, and my hope is that each day brings him a smile- and happiness.

And the advice to his teacher? PRICELESS.

kyooty said...

what a lovely post!:)

Kristan said...

TEEHEE to his comments to his teacher. He was obviously a sharp kiddo.

Also LOVE the pic of you guys with (I presume) Old Man.

Lovely post. :)

kontan said...

I'm here via Sage...your son sounds like an amazing young man. Best wishes for whatever the future may hold for him.

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Best wishes to your son! He sounds like a wonderful young man. Still cracking up re. his advice to his teacher...

Sprite's Keeper said...

You are one of the few who can make me sniffle and smile at the same time. I hope he reads this. Beautiful. You're linked!

Sprite's Keeper said...

You are one of the few who can make me sniffle and smile at the same time. I hope he reads this. Beautiful. You're linked!

Mrsbear said...

I love the photo of him upside down against the sky, his lanky limbs so perfectly capture that tumultuous stage between kid and grown up. Congrats to him. I'm learning too that it all goes by so quickly. Lovely post.

ds said...

What a wonderful tribute. I'm smiling through tears. Congratulations to your son on his graduation, and his ability to see through people. May you both enjoy many more prideful moments!

Wild Child said...

I'm just dealing with first lost teeth on my youngest and I'm teary eyed. I don't know how I'll feel in 11 years. And I know they will go just like that *snaps fingers*.

Anonymous said...

What a fabulous son you have :0)

Congratulations on his graduation.

Michele said...

What your son said to his teachers sound just like something my youngest said at that age.

Has he decided what college he's going to yet?

CiCi said...

What a nice post. Best wishes to your son. His future is before him, making his own decisions, learning where he wants to be in society. Congratulations on his high school graduation.

Jan said...

*sniffle*

I have a feeling he will always be surrounded by those who love him.

Adaptable Kay said...

First, congratulations to your wonderful son and his completing high school!

Second, this is such a beautiful, motivating, and moving tribute to your son.

Those pictures are all amazing-I love all the last ones because they are gorgeous(I'm a little jealous LOL).

creative kerfuffle said...

ok, if laugh out loud is lol what is cry out loud? or shed a tear. whatever it is, i did w/ this post. this is so beautiful. i'm really verklempt. thanks for sharing this w/ us.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

This is a phenomenal post...such a wonderfully, warm and beautiful letter to your son...he sounds precocious...and fantastic! You have made him step right off the computer screen with your beautiful stories! I loved this! Congratulations to your son on his graduation! And congratulations to you on some time to pursue your writing! Love, Janine XO

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

Oh my goodness, this almost makes me cry! Such a sweet tribute and congratulations to your son!

XOXO
Margaret

Amy said...

This post was just so sweet and made me cry. Wow your son has come a long way.. Congrats to him and you and your husband.. Have a great evening..

Just Two Chicks said...

What a great tribute!

Anonymous said...

That was a wonderful and moving post Pseudo! Those pics say so much and he is a beautiful guy! It is such an adventure..... They teach us so much.
PS- I LOVE kids that are articulate (others call them fresh, I call them articulate)!

Bernie said...

A lovely post. How much you love your child really comes through. Many love their children as much but none could ever record or say it as well as this.

I wish him all the happiness in the world.

Patty O. said...

So sweet. And what awesome pictures!

Mama Badger said...

Oh, sniff. He's so darn handsome.

flurrious said...

This is such a lovely post. And great pictures of your kids, but I especially like the one with the entire family. You all look so happy -- even the dog is smiling!

Kendra said...

Happy graduation! He sounds like an amazing kid!

Stacy Uncorked said...

That was absolutely beautiful, Pseudo. I love the way he thought in Kindergarten - Princess Nagger has a tendency to think like that, too. ;) Congrats to your graduate! :)

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Casey said...

This was wonderful. Except that upside down flying picture, that one always gives me goosebumps even though I know he made it out of that pose alive. Eek. Your kid (and his humor) are reflections of what a great parent you (and your husband) are and you deserve a pat on the back. And look at skinny minnie Pseudo on the beach!

Smart Mouth Broad said...

What a lovely tribute to your son! It was great to get to know him better. Hugs,SMB