
Though it seems impossible somehow, our oldest son, Eric, turned 50 years old last December. How can that be? Especially, when I can still so vividly remember him as a baby, a boy, a teenager and a young man?
The older I get, it seems that time is flying by at a very rapid pace, and how I wish that I could turn back the hands of time to relive the precious moments or my life.
Thinking of having a 50 year-old child makes me feel old somehow, but also makes me extremely grateful for the years we have had together, especially when so many parents suffer the loss of babies, toddlers and young children, and we suffered the loss of our youngest son, Kevin, when he was just 28 years old.
As I consider the blessing of having Eric for 50 years, I can't help but think back on the time, when he was 4 and 6 years old and had to have kidney surgery and then that kidney removed due to a birth defect . . . Bob and I were so afraid, and I remember standing at the kitchen sink, looking out at the trees in our backyard wondering how tall this little tree of our's would live to be with only one kidney . . . and I begged God to "extend his days" and so He has!
We all know that someday we will die, but no matter how long we live, I think we all will want one more day no matter if we are old and worn out. My Dad once said that "cemeteries are filled with those who wished they had more time," and I think that is absolute wisdom.
I have learned that there is no need to imagine, fret or worry about the length of our days, or of those we love. I believe that God intends for us to live each day, as though it is our first, not our last. I also believe that God appoints the time, and when it's time for us to leave this world, it will be the right time.
We celebrate Eric's 50th year and for this Mom, I'm determined not to waste a minute with him, and of course I hope for many, many more years together. One thing I know for sure, one day, we will not be bound by time and until then, I will mark the moments with gratitude and joy.
With Faith, Hope and Love,
Angie "a mom like you"
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