Somehow, some way… my first baby is twenty. Two whole decades of loving him, learning from him and watching him grow into a young man I admire more than words could ever express. I am so proud of the man he has become, and for the supreme blessing of being his mom.
Twenty feels big. It feels like standing on the edge of everything he has ever worked toward – internships, independence, adulthood, careers, apartments and all the things that seemed impossibly far away when I was packing cutesy lunches and tucking two precious boys in for sweet dreams in matching twin beds. If parenthood teaches anything, it’s that time is a thief and a gift all at once.
While John’s story is his to tell, every now and then I take the liberty of bragging about him. He is thriving at Auburn. He’s got a near-perfect GPA, a testament to his dedication and drive. He is a Sigma Chi brother, and became a big brother to a pledge he played high school lacrosse with, which feels like such a full circle blessing. He has three fantastic roommates who are like family, and a group of friends that continues to grow and support him in the very best ways. He loves Auburn athletics with his whole heart and, while he’s kept up a the grades, I’m not sure he’s missed a party. I am so thankful he gets to live part of his story there.
As we look towards tomorrow and the years to come, I pray that John remains grounded in God’s love, and that he knows that his family loves him unconditionally. I pray that he always sees his self worth, and that he can walk upright in integrity and good conscience with his decisions and choices. I pray that he is courteous and chivalrous, because I know those things aren’t dead. I pray that he is warm, true, trustworthy and respectful in his relationships, and that those in his circle are the same. I pray that he is hard working, yet generous with his time and resources, and that he enters his workplace and school each day with a good attitude, humbleness and appreciation for the opportunity to be there. I pray that he can be uninhibited in his happiness, know true joy, and that he always sees the glass as half full. I pray that he understands he isn’t invincible and that he knows just how precious his life truly is. And, I pray that he knows we are fighting for him, not against him, with every breath in every moment of every single day. I pray for John’s future wife and that he will enrich her life, treasure her, respect her, protect her, provide for her and trust her.
We celebrated John last night surrounded by family and so many people who love him. A party of ten gathered around a large table at The Melting Pot, laughing, telling stories and passing skewers dripping with cheese and chocolate. Afterwards, he headed out with the whole high school crew. I love that they show up for each other still.
So here’s to twenty.
A year of growth and joy and confidence and adventure.
A year of memories we haven’t met yet.
Happy birthday, my darling boy. You made me a mother, and you continue to make me better.
Dixie Delights
join me as I travel, decorate, create & celebrate
Instagram | Pinterest
Dixie Travels
perfectly planned trips & our travel adventures
Book Now | Learn More
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest