There's my precious baby boy, born 17 years ago. I remember an older woman telling me during my pregnancy that every woman needed a son. I didn't believe her at the time. I believe her now.
I don't know what it is about a son. (It's certainly NOT that I don't cherish and adore my daughter - just thinking about her brings tears to my eyes cuz I love her till my heart bursts.)
Cameo said once that Jared brought laughter into our home. She's so right. From the very beginning Jared has had the best sense of humour. And he loves to share it.
Mostly though, I think I would describe Jared as a warrior-poet. He is that unusual blend of fierceness and tenderness. He lives to an internal code of honour. He's honest, loyal. He believes in justice and accountability. He will call out inconsistency and demand fairness.
and yet he is tender. . . . and protective. . . as a little boy in elementary school he would come home and tell me about how he walked and encouraged one friend or another. How he was sad that his friends had difficult lives. . .
He is gentle with his tender-hearted mother and forgiving . . .
it's really the pictures that tell the story. . . so much better than my words,
O and he's so creative. . .
and brilliant. . .
and poetic . . .
and deep . . .
He has a depth of insight. . . and can see into your soul. . . His heart was born "old". And he really wasn't made for this world. But this world needs him. Needs his compassion, needs his fierceness, needs his words, needs his poetry, needs his story. . .
God, in His mercy has given me this "old man" in a boy's body. . . to love and nurture . . .
. . . and then to let go.
No greater gift have I been given than to be the mother of my children.
Happy Birthday Son! You are my heart's treasure.
