Some Kind of Thresh Hold

This blog post is NOT about me--although, I confess, the thresh hold that is being crossed affects me.  You see, in just a few hours, my elder child will turn 40.

The photo above is of our son Geoffrey and our daughter-in-law Christy.


While there are many photos I could choose of him, this one seemed most fitting.  Of course I have those wonderful baby photos, and the little boy photos too.  I have used them before on the occasion of his birthday.  But the photo of you two together is just right.


This time I want to write about a few scenes which I hold dear in my mother's  heart.

• I remember a day when you were about 18 months old.  I had just come home from teaching, carrying you, along with a bag of your supplies from the baby-sitter's, complete with a container of Spaghettios.  I don't know how I got distracted, but for a moment I turned my back.  When I came back into the room, there you sat with the Spaghettios container opened and smeared all over the place. 
• I remember how you fell off a coffee table, and cut your head.  We had to rush you to a hospital to get some stitches.  And I remember how white your dad's face was as he helped to hold you so you would be comforted while the doctor worked on you.
• I remember the first time you walked alone up the sidewalk to a neighbor's house so you could play with your friend.  I thought--wow, he's on his own.
• I remember how you reacted when we told you we were going to have another baby--you said, oh good, now I won't be an only child anymore.
• I remember how sweet you were (most of the time) with your sister.   And still are.
• I remember how proud we were when you won academic recognition and went off to the college of your choice.
• I remember when you came home and told us you had met someone special--and you asked if you could bring her (Christy) along on our family vacation.
• I remember that only when you headed to grad school did I cry--realizing you really WERE on your own--but this time with Christy by your side.
• I remember how happy you and Christy were on your wedding day--even though you hadn't thought to get programs ready and printed until the morning of the wedding.
• I remember several moves we helped you with.--to apartments, to houses.
• I remember--

A mother does remember--and I am proud, so very proud, that you are our son.  


So, special love to you this day--as you celebrate your 40th birthday.