I woke up at 3am that morning, long before the sun peeked through the clouds. I lay in bed for a few hours, thinking about my kids. I thought about their needs, how I could better support them, and the things I’d like to do for them.
My 14-year-old son woke up and started getting ready for school. He’s a responsible kid, so I didn’t need to wake him up or prompt him to get ready. We chatted as I made a pot of coffee. I knew I was going to need it.
We joked around a little bit, and he shared all the details about his video game conquests. I feigned interest, even though I had no clue what he was talking about. I’m trying to understand the world he lives in, even if it’s changing faster than I can keep up.
As I looked at him, I thought about all the obstacles he’s faced since he was a baby. He’s had double foot reconstruction surgery, and he still faces battles he doesn’t back down from. But he’s also a loving, kind, and gentle giant. I’m so proud of the young man he’s becoming.
I walked up to him and gave him a big hug. For a moment, I held his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame and told him how proud of him I am. I let him know how much I’m enjoying watching him grow and become a young man. I thanked him for choosing me to be his mother and told him how grateful I am for him and his siblings. He just smiled and said thanks.
As he walked out the door to the bus stop, I made sure to tell him I love him and wished him a great day. I thought about how one day he’ll be leaving for college, and my heart ached a little bit. But I know he’ll be ready, and I’ll always be here for him.
A few minutes later, I got a text from him. “I love you, Mom,” it said. I texted him back and told him I loved him more. I say that to my kids because I want them to know that I love them more than anything they can do or anything that can happen. I love them more than anything in this world.
I’m not a perfect mom, but I love my kids with all my heart. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them and help them grow into happy, healthy adults. And I’ll always be there for them, no matter what.
