Oh, Where Does the Time Go?

Nineteen years ago next week, I gave birth to my first child. I had no idea what that would mean to me. As that cute little boy with a sparkle in his eye grew, I felt all the inadequacies of motherhood, all the pride in his accomplishments, saw all the potential that little boy held and dreamt about his future.

Well, as that little boy grew, I discovered that he was his own person and he had his own ideas and his own way of seeing the world. He is a great kid but some of the hopes and dreams I had for him were just not on his agenda. And that is sometimes hard for a mother to accept. I have watched this independent, artistic, musical boy search for himself, make his mistakes and find his successes and realized that in spite of all my encouragement, rules, lectures, etc. that he would be who he would be.

When he chose to join the Marines, I have to admit, I was surprised. And a little worried. Would they destroy him? What prompted this decision? How would this affect my plans for him (sorry, moms have a hard time giving up those plans)? Would he suffer psychological damage when they cut off his hair?

But let me tell you, as he wrote letters home from Marine Corp Boot Camp, as I watched him graduate and become a Marine, as he has gone on with his Marine Corp training and as he has recently returned home for a time, I couldn't be prouder.

I created this layout shortly after his Marine Corp graduation. Appropriately, the paper packet is called Victory. And this layout is all about Victory--mostly Christian's but in a little way, mine and his father's too. We've managed to raise a young man that I am truly proud of and that I believe will contribute to the world in a positive way.

Victory is our paper packet for June's Cherish Your Memories Nights. Hope you can join us either June 15th, 16th or 30th to create this layout and the one below. Please RSVP to me by the Monday before the class you plan to attend.

Inspired by Karen Pedersen