November 25, 2017: Thankful for My Heritage!

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

A sentiment I’ve often heard from my mom during times of transition is “life changes quickly sometimes.”  In saying this, I believe she is reinforcing the old boy scout motto, “be prepared” because you never know when these changes will happen. Of course, there’s only so much you can be prepared for a sudden and sometimes tragic change in life, but simply knowing unexpected changes WILL happen can help you to rise up and ride the waves threatening to knock you over and pull you under.

This year was another one of change for our family.  Over the summer, our boys decided to “change places.”  So, my oldest, who has been living with his dad for the past 4 years, decided to move here to WA, while our youngest, who has always lived with us, decided to go back to his birthplace on the island.  Even though it was something I thought I was prepared for (as the youngest and I had talked about it before it was decided), I am always surprised at how these changes affect my emotions, sending me on a rollercoaster and making me queasy for a bit.  Once my stomach settles, I remember what my mom says about change, wipe my tears, and adjust to the new normal. 

It’s been about 3 months since the boys completed their switcheroo, and even though I miss my baby boy terribly, I am enjoying spending daily life with my oldest again, and the verse that comes to mind is Psalm 127:3.  God has blessed me with two beautiful sons, two sweet souls, and I have very little to do with how wonderful they are.  Being a mom is still the most challenging job I’ve ever had, and my boys are a gift to me. I didn’t do anything to earn them nor to be able to keep them in my life. I try to love and guide them the best that I can, but bottom line is that I was simply rewarded with them by a gracious God, who has granted them wisdom beyond their years, knowing what their parents would need and being willing to sacrifice in order to bring peace to the family. They are a reminder to me that my treasure does not lie in my possessions or in anything I have done or will do in this world. My sons are my heritage, and I am thankful for them. 

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God, thank you for the gift of my children. Guide them throughout life and help me love them the way you do and to raise them in the way that you would have them to go. 

January 24, 2016- Love Letters

This week, I decided to “live with compassion,” and one of the things suggested by Toni Birdsong in the book, More than a Bucket List includes the following: “write each of your kids a letter. Tell them all the things they are doing right.” So, that’s my entry for tonight, love letters to my boys, letters which I will also personally mail to them, so they will have them forever or as long as they want to keep them. J

To my First Born (Sweet Pea),

When you were born, your dad and I were simply enamored with you. That’s the only way to describe it.  You were so much more than we could have ever wished for or dreamed of in a child.  As you have grown, 14 years now, I am still enamored of you.  You are so polite and respectful of others, calm, cool, and collected in a crisis, and a joy to be around.  You are doing so well in school, even though I know school is at that stage now that it’s more work than fun. You demonstrate awesome sportsmanship in whatever game or sport you choose to play, and you are a kind, compassionate brother, even when the two of you don’t get along so well. Sibling rivalry is normal, no matter who you are.  J You are a people pleaser in all that you do. Make sure, though, to stay true to yourself and what is best for you.  It’s important to take care of yourself too, so you can stay healthy and happy.  Your laid back personality, sly grin, and helpful attitude are my most favorite traits about you, and traits that just seem to come naturally.  It’s just how you were made.  You’ve always been that way.  You are quiet and observant, shy and fun loving all at the same time.  It’s what makes you so popular with your friends and adults.  I love you, dear son.  I hope you always know that I am there for you no matter how many miles, countries, or continents separate us. 

All my love and a few hugs thrown in there too,

Mommy

To my Baby Boy (Mr. Gant),

Our life with you started out much more hectic as you decided to enter via emergency surgery, but when it was all over, and I was resting with you peacefully in the Kwajalein hospital, your dad and I (and the entire tiny hospital on the even tinier atoll) were just so pleased that you entered the world happy and healthy! You are the exact opposite of our first born, your brother, but no less loved.  Now that we have had 12 wonderful years with you, I can say that you are so smart. The way you do math in your head and impress your teachers at every turn with how well you do on tests and how respectful you are in class make me so proud.  Your natural curiosity about anything and everything reminds me of myself when I was younger. I love the age you are at now when we can go to places like museums and really enjoy and learn together.  Your little kid laughter when absorbed in a good movie gives me such joy, and your unbridled silliness, which allows you to sing and dance in a grocery store without hesitation, has always been one of my favorite things about you.  You are my class clown with manners, if there is such a thing.  You have such a strong, stubborn, independent personality, which I believe will serve you well as you grow, even though it sometimes gets you in trouble at home at this age.  Just remember to stay true to yourself, stand up for what you believe, but don’t forget to listen and learn from others as well.  There are so many experiences and people that will come into your life that you can learn from to become wise.  Be open to what they have to teach and wait to hear them out before speaking your own mind. You are so loved, my baby. Whatever you need, you know I will be there for you. 

Love and many, many fast kisses,

Mom

November 14, 2012 Twelve Years Ago Today…

“Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.” Romans 12:9-12 (New Living Translation)

 

     Twelve years ago today, right about the time I am writing this (7:30 am), my life was changed forever and for the better with your birth.  Now, today, for the first time in your young 12 years, I celebrate here on the island without you, so as the apostle Paul did with his churches back in Bible times, I write this letter to you, to encourage and uplift you on this most momentous occasion in your life.  The verse above is what Paul wrote to his friends in Rome to share the love of God, who called them to be his people, and it is the one I wish to share with you, so you will know and feel our love in the same way. 

     I thought the words in Paul’s letter were very apt for you today as you are already such an example of the traits discussed in the verse.  You have taught me so much about love and how to love genuinely, just by being you.  You love your friends unconditionally, stand up for what is right when you are with them, and work hard to do your best in school and in life.  Continue to do so because God is planning so many wonderful things for you.  You have already been so patient with the troubles in your life, amazingly so.  I have learned from you on that count as well. You rarely complain about problems, although you have them just as we all do, and you are the first to remind me that we need to pray at bedtime if I forget.  So, even though I am not with you physically and able to pray sitting next to you on the bed, don’t forget that I am still with you in heart, mind, and spirit, and I am praying for and with you from afar. 

     Twelve years ago today, you changed my life, and I am so grateful that God entrusted you to my care. You are a joy, blessing, an old soul, and my sweet “Have It” baby boy.  I look forward to seeing the young man you are becoming and will become as you continue to grow.  It has all happened way too fast, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Each experience has enhanced our time together and shown me how very insightful and sensitive God has created you to be.  Believe in yourself, treasure all the special gifts God has given you, and use them for His good purposes and to change the lives of others for the better, just as you’ve changed my life.  I love you, sweet pea!! Happy Birthday!

October 28, 2013 For my Youngest on His Tenth Birthday!!

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity…Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:12, 16

     I have this book called “My Son’s Blessing Book,” which I had intended to write in every year of his life until it was full or until I needed to start a new one. Each 5-page blank journaling section starts out with a Bible verse. Unfortunately, my once a year goal was unmet for the first 2 years of his life (first entry 2005-he was born in 2003), then it went into “hiding” until 2012, when he was over 9 years old.  This year, I have now written twice, once this summer and again today, so I suppose I am making up a bit for lost time.

     When I do write in it, I tell my son what he is like at that moment in time. I may talk about the class he is in at school and his accomplishments there, and I write about how his personality has developed.  I hope someday he will enjoy reading about himself in this way, about moments in time that gradually fade and sometimes meld and change themselves into a whole batch of other memories and/or are often forgotten completely as we age.  This is part of what I love about the process of writing and journaling in the moment….the ability to have a “snapshot in time” of not just what was happening, like in a photograph, but the description of how you felt, the mindset you were in, and how your thought about life at that time. It’s fascinating to see how our thinking changes and how wisdom is developed over the years. 

     For this particular 10^th birthday entry, I thought the verse from “My Son’s Blessing Book” (reprinted above) was quite apt.  This school year, we’ve seen a bit of an evolution with our son.  He’s always been a good kid, but this year, he has become an example for other children in his school and student council group. He’s the one who encourages and helps fellow students out in class. He’s the one to stay after the school dance volunteering to help vacuum and getting applause for his “over and beyond efforts” from all the teachers at the end.  He is excelling in his grades, and he takes instruction from his sports coaches well. Everyone can see that he is really trying to do his best in all he is tasked with throughout the week, whether it is at home, school, scouts, or sports. 

     So, I want to tell him today (in the spirit of the verse above) to not allow anyone to bully or belittle you, to not let those who consider themselves “cooler” than you to cause you to think less of yourself or anyone else that they don’t consider “cool” because right now, at this very moment in time, you are setting the ultimate example of good character in your life.  From your sense of responsibility and pride in the work you do to your love for others, no matter who they are or where they come from and your tremendous respect for your teachers and other adults, you amaze me.  You are kind to all you meet, and you work hard to please and be good to even those who don’t always treat you with the same kindness and goodness. You are a blessing and a child of God. He is proud of you and who you are becoming just as we are. 

     Son, watch your life closely and keep the child-like faith you now hold. Do not allow the world to change who you are or to bring you down.  Remember that you are loved by your family and by God and even though life will not always be easy, you always have a choice and that choice could mean the difference between saving or losing yourself.  When those tough times come, remember who you were when you turned 10 years old, a boy who loved with all his heart, was dedicated to doing his best for his God, family, friends, and teachers, and who was strong in his convictions, not allowing others to change his mind.  You set the example, continue to do that throughout life, and you will not only help save yourself from future hurts, but you will also bring others to a better life through your influence.  I love you, baby doll! Happy Birthday!!