Milestones…
A ring…white gold. It is embossed with a distinguished Johns Hopkins University crest, and it is symbolic of years of his diligence and dedication. I look at it with wonder on his slender hand, a larger version of mine. 22 years ago. 197,496 hours ago, he was born. (I didn’t calculate it. I saw it on a “facts about your birthdate” site). How could that much time have passed? How is it possible that I am sitting here, writing this post, on the eve of the beginning of his last semester of graduate school? He will earn his master’s degree in May 2020, accomplishing another tremendous milestone, while I can remember holding him in my arms for the very first time – like it was yesterday.
He has no idea how scared I was to become his mother. I had a re-occurring dream, leading up to my due date, that involved doing things like forgetting to feed him. I had never been around babies that much, and I was terrified! That all changed on that July night in 1997, when I was given the most precious blessing, and the biggest responsibility, I have ever had on this earth. I know I have been far from a perfect mother, but I have always tried to instill the message that I inscribed as part of his housewarming present for yet another milestone, his first home. The gift was a photograph on canvas and a framed, hand painted inscription from me. A wonderful friend of ours, Cindy Piotrowski, took the beautiful photograph that serves as a metaphor for the way we raised Cameron. The photo is of a cross, flanked by two majestic trees, and backlit by a colorful sunrise. The inscription in the frame above it reads, “Remember your roots, as you reach for your dreams” - with Proverbs 3:5-6 included. He is doing just that, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. I am so thankful for the man he has become.
Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise up and call her blessed”, and I hope that in spite of all of my faults, Cameron can do just that. However, I know that I AM blessed – to have him for a son. I am blessed to have had all of those wonderful years with him that have passed so quickly. To all the mothers of little ones…treasure this time. Capture the special moments. Like Darius Rucker says in his song, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long”. Trust me…I know…I still cry sometimes when I pass his bedroom door…
Blessings ~
Lisa