First Born
This week, my first born celebrated a milestone birthday; he turned twenty-five. That’s just plain, crazy talk…….and seems nearly impossible to believe. The years passed by in what seems like a blink of an eye, and I am feeling a bit sentimental this week thinking about his journey, and celebrating my handsome son.
When he was little, he was a mama’s boy through and through, and I was fortunate enough to stay home with him. He was my buddy and we did every thing together. I had about three and a half years alone with him, before my daughter was born. He decided it was OK having a baby brother or sister, as long as we named the baby “Fred” for a boy or “Spike” for a girl…..HA!
He loved the typical “boy” things, but I was determined to keep toy guns out of his reach as long as I could…..well, that is until he started biting his cheese sandwiches into the shape of a gun and pretending to shoot at random things from the kitchen table…..I gave in and bought him a cap gun, it was a small civil war replica I purchased in Williamsburg, VA., made of wood and iron……he loved that toy gun.
He was the kid that knew right from wrong and anytime we needed the full, accurate story, he was the one everyone asked. While in kindergarten he witnessed his grandfather fall from the barn roof while climbing down a ladder. His grandfather told him not to alert anyone or call 911, but this scared, yet brave little boy, knew help was needed, and ran to get me, despite the stern warning. Grandpa had gone into shock before the ambulance arrived, and I believe he just might have saved his grandfather’s life that day.
He always had and still has, a good head on his shoulders. He is a logical thinker, has good common sense, that can figure out just about anything mechanical. If I was stranded on a desert island, he’d be the one I’d want on my team. The boy has mad survival skills.
He helped shape me into the woman I am today, and taught me unconditional love, humility, bravery and how to love deeper. Even though I miss the days he was a mama’s boy, I take pride in the independent man he has become.
To my first born, adventure loving, risk taking, hardworking, tender hearted, generous, and funny son…..Andrew Charles, I loved you first. You have my heart, always……my cup runneth over.
xoxox…..Your thankful mama