Happy Birthday

10lbs 1oz

There you are. It's 1am and a nurse just wheeled you in. You're wrapped like a jelly bean; and quiet.

You're suddenly my world.

I was so selfish before this moment. Why? So self serving. How do I get over to you right now? Cant get out of bed. Finally someone comes in and asks if I want to hold you.

Yes please.

I'm staring at you and wondering how I'll ever do enough good for you.

You have changed my life.

You're three. My favorite time of day is our morning drive. You sit in your booster in the front seat, and always hold my hand.

Little fingers in mine, holding with no shame. Big brown eyes and a smile loving me without a word. Do I even deserve you?

You are eight. Things are tough. Very tough. Somehow, we're surviving. I'd do anything for you to make life ok again. How did we get here?

I hold you.

I wrap you up i my arms. Often.

You're 13. When we go out in public, you still wrap an arm around me, with no shame, and tell me "I love you", even with your friends watching. My irritation with your mid morning 'No's' instantly melt away. It's hard to keep focus on things when it's so easy to be swayed.

Maybe I did a few things right.

I've worried about what kind of man you'd grow in to.

But I see you.

I know who you are on the inside.

All Heart.

You're 17. Today. How did we get here?

When I look at you now, I have to look up. You've come so far, and I'm so proud.

Your future is bright and you're on the right path. You're beautiful and kind.

You're one of the loves of my life and you helped me to become a better person then I could have ever been on my own.

Happy Birthday.