"Twenty-five years. A quarter century," he messaged very early.
"Yes."
"It's not been a quiet one."
(laughing) "Nope!"
Of all the adjectives ever linked to my boy, quiet does not pop up too often. A fearless toddler, a wildly adventurous child with boundless energy, a teen who pushed past limitations... as well as pushing envelopes and pushing my buttons. He was destined for big things - big trouble or big opportunity. In the past quarter century he has seen some of both. Such is often the case for those with great drive, great intensity, great vision.
His mind was and is still always brewing up a great idea or seven. He has been gifted with the fortitude to see those ideas through come heck or high water. This year he is a college graduate, working fulltime, with a beautiful fiance, coach of a team of inner city basketball players, and partner in a new business. I don't know where the next 25 will take him but it will probably not be quiet because this boy of our's certainly lives out loud.
Because he also lives on another continent my heart is a little heavy tonight. This morning when we talked he said I just want a birthday blog post, mom. Make it a good one! Since this morning I was remembering this story. It is our story in many ways. So here you are Z. Wish you were little enough to read to again. In lieu of that, I wish you were here tonight. The house is far too quiet without you. : )
They grow up too fast. Happy Birthday greetings to your handsome son -- and to all who love him.
Posted by: Lisa | August 21, 2013 at 10:55 PM
What an awesome tribute...Happy Birthday X!
Posted by: Mary | August 21, 2013 at 11:55 PM
Wonderful post! Happy Birthday to your Z.! I too, have a boy turning 25 in a few weeks. :)
Posted by: Cheryl M | August 22, 2013 at 04:21 AM
Kim, The Runaway Bunny was the absolute favorite and very special book of mine and my eldest son Eli. He is now 24 and such a help to me since the brain tumor. He's moving on now and we miss him awfully here in our small home. Oh that book. I don't think I could read it without crying!
Happy birthday to him, to you too, happy anniversary of 25 years as a Mama!
Posted by: Ellie | August 22, 2013 at 06:18 PM