Monday, December 7, 2009

Happy birthday, adored one!

So the tall boy turned 18 last week, which has totally weirded me out. First of all, about fifteen minutes ago he was five, so I'm not amused that the time is just plain gone. Second, -- well, I think there is no second.

And really, when I look back on the near-death experiences the tall boy has lived through, it's a miracle that he's here. No shit.

Putting aside the whole repeatedly collapsing lung thing -- People! He drank X-14 scum remover when he was eleven months old. When he was two, he wandered into the street just as a dump truck barreled along. Screeching brakes, I honor your service. As you may remember, he fell through the carport ceiling and landed on the concrete below when he was twelve. No, it has not been repaired, and don't look at me like that. Did you think I was kidding when I told you I have earned the Bad Mother of the Year award every single year since 1992?

But even though I am not the mother he deserves, he is the light of my life.

A kinder person does not exist on the planet.

Curious and too daring, he is willing to try any adventure. If there is a trail leading to it, he has hiked up it, paddled through it, fished on it, or rappelled off it. Not particularly interested in a driver's license, he is all about learning to fly. In a plane if necessary.

He was born a hugger, and has never lost the knack -- offering the perfect hug at the perfect time to lift my spirits or get himself out of trouble.

He will hug me in public. Once he even hugged me in the lobby of his high school. Shocking, but I swear it's true.

I could go on about his brilliant mind, his determined attitude, his beautiful spirit, but I'm clearly so besotted with him that you wouldn't believe me -- even though every word would be true. I really just want to say that I know without a doubt that I am the luckiest mom.

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9 comments:

  1. this was a heart warming post! happy birthday Tall Boy...and many, many, happy returns.

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  2. My son just turned 16 last week.. I hear ya... there is nothing like a son (no offense to my daughters) but there is a certain bond between a mother & son that is so cool....
    wrote a similar blog to yours... got weepy writing it... I miss my "little man" especially the 3, 4, 5 y/o that he was...

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  3. Beautiful, Liz. My little guy is a hugger, too, and I hope he never stops.

    --Dennis

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  4. Wait until he's 32, is married for 5 years (danced with his mother to James Taylor's You've Got a Friend at his wedding), and has a 17 month old son, who also brings out the unconditional love, or besotting, as you termed it! Happy Birthday, J!

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  5. awww this is so sweet. my boy is just 7 months old but i can't wait for whats to come!

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  6. What a beautiful post! Happy birthday, Tall Boy!!!

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  7. I remember when we came to visit you with your little bundle of joy in the hospital 18 years ago. You were so radiant and happy! Guess you still are!

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  8. That was very sweet! Happy Birthday, Tall Boy!!! (a little late)

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