For My Son

Hands once so very small

That held mine so tightly

Once you needed me for everything

But now as the time has flown by

Your need for my help lessens

 

There is a part of me that loves watching you grow

Just to listen to your ideas for the future intrigues me

Your mind is a fascinating thing to look at

No longer filled with Blues Clues songs and little boy dreams

So ready to take on the world beyond childhood

 

But there is a part of me that is not ready to let you go just yet

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time and keep you young

Keep you from knowing the evils that await you

And prevent what innocence you have left from leaving

Stay forever young, my son

 

But then I know that I can’t hold onto your hand forever

I need to let you grow up and become the man you’re meant to be

Full of potential and such promise, such talents to share with the world

And while there are evils out there that will try to consume you

There are also such joys to discover and both friendship and love for you to find

 

While a part of me is afraid of what lies ahead

I do not wish to keep you in the past

I want you to fly, to soar higher than I could ever imagine

Chase your dreams, no matter how far away they might take you

But never forget where you came from or who you are

 

I do not want to shelter you 

And I know that I can’t always protect you

Some lessons you must learn on your own

And some unfortunately will be learned the hard way

That is just a part of life we all come to know

 

But I do hope that as you journey the path that God has laid out for you

That you never forget that I am here for you

Not to live your life for you, to always keep you from harm

But to encourage you and to love you, for as long as I shall live

Even when you are fully grown, for that is a mother’s heart

 

So as you grow, I will cherish each phase of your life

Each year poses its challenges

But also offers up great rewards

I capture your laughter and smiles in my mind

So that I may remember them always

 

And may you always remember mine

For one day, God willing, I will grow old

And I will not be as vibrant and capable as I am now

For as you age, my son

So do I, so please never forget me or the lessons that I try to teach you

 

There is a village of people who want to see you prosper

To see you strong, working hard, enjoying life, knowing love

I am grateful to them all for their help to raise you

May you never forget their roles in your life either

Know always just how loved you are

 

Today is supposed to be a day spent honoring us

Showering us with pampering, adoration, & thanks

But if it weren’t for you, we’d not have this day to begin with

So today, I would like to say thank you for the joy you bring to my life

Thank you for teaching me what it means to love