Mother's Day Reflection

The other day I was driving out to my Mom's house, with my son strapped in the back seat. As per usual, we had our music turned way up, windows down, and he was bobbing his little head and singing all the words to Jackson Browne's Doctor My Eyes word for word.

An indifferent feeling came upon me, as if I just realized for the first time ever that the curly-haired little boy I was watching through my rear-view mirror was my son. Not just some random kid, the the child I carried for nine months, gave birth to, coddled, cuddled and cared for with my utmost of attention and skill. I watched as he gradually made the natural transition from infant to toddler to little boy.

For almost 7 years, I've been a Mom. It's been flying by, and at that moment Mom became something that is more than just my title. It was a feeling.

What is amazing to me however, is how I adapted rather easily into Motherhood. I credit that to a few specific things- 1. We were older when we decided it was time to consider having a child. 2. I was ready; spiritually, physically, financially, and mentally. 3. We took child-rearing seriously. It wasn't an "oops- we're pregnant! Let's just deal with it" situation. We had been married for almost six years before TJ was born.

Perhaps it's because my venture into being Mom was done at a harried pace at the beginning- those first five years or so are busy. So many "firsts"- from teething to potty training to walking to starting school. I didn't really stop to reflect on how fast he was growing up. He just did, and suddenly I realize there he is. My son.

So with the forthcoming Mother's Day approaching, it seemed fitting to pat myself on the back a little. I've got a great kid. He's ornery and mouthy and testy at times. (So is his Dad.) But for the most part, he's very caring, loving, and just fun to have around. We laugh constantly, he has said and done some silly things that make me shake my head in amusement and wonder. And smart! I'm not just saying that, all parents are usually impressed with their kids. But this kid, seriously- he was actually figuring out Algebraic equations one afternoon with Daddy.

So while I'm busy gloating, I have to acknowledge the circle that is prevalent in my life. I have a great Mom. She had an awesome Mom, too. In fact, I come from a long line of awesome Moms- my Dad's Mom was the best. And I have the coolest Aunts on the planet, who have begat some pretty special cousins who have made excellent Mothers as well.

Which leads me to the first, and final point. I'm a Mom. That's both a special gift and an awesome responsibility. It's my hope my future generations of Moms will someday experience that moment of awe where they realize being a Mom isn't just a job, it's a privilege, an honor, and an immeasurable blessing. Thank you TJ for that revelation.