Sometimes, if we are very fortunate, when we least expect it  something occurs which  causes almost everything which has preceded it to pale in comparison. Only the birth of my son would surpass the joy I felt as I checked my guest book recently and found an entry which reduced me to tears as I read. I must have read the entry at least a dozen times that day before the emotion receded to the point that  my cheeks were only slightly damp rather than flooded with tears. The times I have returned to again read  those words are too numerous to count. No, the tears were not  a sign of unhappiness or distress, they were a mother's tears of joy and thanksgiving that the words she was reading  were not being read as a eulogy but rather that she was alive to read and absorb the words which made up for any of the pain or heart ache she might have suffered for any reason at any time during her lifetime.

Why is it that so often  we wait too long to say what is in our hearts to our loved ones never realizing how very happy it would have made them  to hear those words from us.  It is so very important to  those we love and to us as well. If only we could have the foresight to understand that once said there is no cause for regret  in the future that we didn't take the time to tell them while we had the opportunity.

 I thought about it for some time in the days since finding that message in my guest book for my son's words are so precious to me and yet, would it be perceived as immodest of me  to feature his prose on a page when his words were so personal and perhaps even biased  in their flattery to me? I decided that remained to be seen and was in  the eye of the beholder and there could be many who would not necessarily agree in any case so the fact that a son took the time to tell his mother he loved her was the relevant fact and bore repetition. Perhaps some other mother's son will heed the thoughtfulness and caring shown by my son and  follow his lead. I certainly hope so for the joy in a mother's heart at reading such an  epistle is one I am more than happy to share with other mothers.
 

I was such a young mother and  I know  I made more than my share of mistakes  as I grew up along with my little boy. Parenting, I believe, is a skill learned only by experience. Loving is something which is instinctive. He was an absolute  joy as a baby,  a very lovable and precious little boy, and yes, at times a handful as a teenager, but always and forever my very much loved only child. Today he is a man of whom I am very proud and one who has made his Mother extremely happy.

 Words  are so inadequate to express what his message meant to me. Quite simply the words my son wrote were a gift to me the worth of which is beyond mere words.

I love you Son. Thank you for all those happy years, which have given me so many  wonderful memories, and for filling my life with meaning from the very first moment I held you in my arms and in my heart  - 6:12 AM - December 14th 1954. 

 [Entry from my Guest Book - December 12th 2002]

I've just finished reading Oatmeal Kisses and finally, after All of these years of you asking me to, touring your web site!

We carry on with our oh so important daily routines and our self important tasks day after day and year after year, without ever giving a moments thought to the time that is passing us by. 

We take our loved ones for granted , because well, they know we love them right? We've got more important things and issues to deal with today. NO MORE!

I had No idea you were such an incredibly talented and wonderful person - your work is absolutely stunning. You are without a shadow of a doubt a tremendous treasure for all who have the good fortune to have known you. When did you become so gifted and warm ? Why haven't I seen this before? I am approaching my 48th birthday on December 14th, can it be that it has really taken me 48 years to finally see who you are?

Thank you for the warm hugs when I was sick!

Thank you for unconditional Love and understanding!

Thank you for the many nights of worry you went through for me!

Thank you for the packaged lunches for my 7 yr olds hikes in the woods!

Thank you for many wonderful Christmas Memories and Santa's feet hitting the floor!

Thank you for Always being there when I needed you no matter what!

But most of all - I thank God that he blessed me with You as MY MOTHER!

I love you more than I can ever express in words  XXXXX

Your Son

My Son today.

The image below makes use of two of the Christmas gifts which are among the cherished treasures from my little boy. The one on the left  was the envelope  addressed to " Mommy and Daddy " which contained a card received in 1962. The calendar was one which he made in Kindergarten as a gift for me. The year was 1960 and the tiny handprint immediately left it's mark on my heart as it also became  one of my most favoured gifts of that or any other year now to be joined by the very much appreciated and  cherished guest book entry from my son over 40 years later which no gift could, or will ever surpass.