I was one day away from becoming a mother.
On March 24, 1992 our oldest child was born at 3:02pm weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 21 inches long. Simply amazing.
Our family was born.
Nothing can prepare you for parenthood. It is a league completely unto itself.
Motherhood has introduced so many experiences and emotions that I truly never knew existed. It is the most incredible blessing I have ever been given. It is also the biggest challenge I have ever been given.
I still remember a particular day late in my pregnancy with Zack. My sister and I were taking a walk in the town where we grew up. We saw a boy who my sister had babysat when she was a teenager. He had experienced a tough family life. His mother left and his father was attempting to raise him on his own. As the boy approached us he noticed I was pregnant, and was so excited for me. He turned to his father and said, "Dad, they are going to be a FAMILY!" I think I fell in love with the word "family" at that moment.
The past 17 years have been full of new experiences and amazing memories. Zack claims to be our "guinea pig" child - we tried everything on him first. Oh, if he only knew. The day we brought him home from the hospital we had no clue! I remember looking at Mark and thinking "now what?!"
Carrying a baby in your body and giving birth is such an incredible adventure. I'm certain I'll spend some time tonight pouring over photo albums and enjoying the memories.
The night before our children's birthday I always tell them their story. For Zack and Katie I tell them about the day they were born. For Marco, Gustavo and Ana Lucia I tell them about the first time I met them.
How can 17 years pass so quickly? It seems like he just started playing baseball as a 5 year old, started kindergarten, had his first sleepover, lost his first tooth, went to camp for the first time, started playing the saxophone, started junior high, began driving, and so much more.
We are traveling to our first college visit at the end of the week. How can I possibly tour a college campus and walk along with all of those other parents whose kids ARE old enough to be preparing for college? Holy moley, where has time gone?
Seventeen years ago tonight I went to bed with absolutely no idea how my life was about to change. Our son, and his 4 siblings, have brought so much to our life. There are happy times, sad times, frustrating moments, memorable moments, craziness, laughter, shouting, tears, hugs, high-fives, and much more.
I really shouldn't embarrass Zack. But hey, I don't think the kids read the blog anyway, so here goes. Our son is growing into an incredible young man. He is a Christ-follower, true friend, encouraging big brother, and loving son. He has a heart for the people of Guatemala. He is a dedicated, self-motivated athlete. We have shared some incredible conversations.
I look forward to celebrating our son tomorrow, and celebrating the day we became a family.
Happy Birthday son, we love you
3 comments:
I'll testify to the fact that Zack has grown into an incredible young man. I'm so proud of him!
I have nearly as many memories of him growing up (along with my other nephews and nieces) as my own boys. I'm so grateful that we're all so close.
Zack and his Barney bag lying in front of the tv . . . his rooster hair . . . walking around my living room with his hand to his neck when he'd hear "Hi ho, hi ho ..." come on . . .
Love that boy!
And I'm adding to that...a wonderful grandson. He has a heart of gold way beyond his years. He is in our 'hall of memories' so much...what a blessing he is to us!
Okay let me interrupt the love fest and say, "Come on, he's a teenager. You know how they are: moody, selfish, irresponsible."
Oh wait a minute, I have never seen Zack exhibit any of those attitudes. The Lord really has given him a unique heart, prepared for the family responsibilities he so willingly fulfills. I can't wait to see how the Lord will use him in the future to care for others.
Last summer when he was part of our youth mission team for just one week, everyone loved Zack. No surprise there.
I'm thankful he is my nephew, and thankful my son has such a good friend in Zack, even though they live 600 miles apart.
The bond that God has created among Alexx, Zack, and Daniel is a great joy to my heart. I know these three guys will be tight with each other all their lives. In many ways they are closer than brothers, and that friendship is a treasure of inestimable worth.
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