My boy

Today is Braeden's birthday and I am not over it yet.  I still want to make him a cake and watch him make a wish and blow out the candles.  I want to watch him open gifts and let him pick what is for dinner.

Sigh.

Children grow up and that is all.

I told him on the phone the other day that I was sad not to be making him a cake and he said to make one anyway, because it was the birthday of me being a mom.

Not the same.

Between Christmas and reading the New Testament this year, I've had Mary on my mind.  In Luke 2:51, it says, "but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."

That is what mothers do.  They keep it all in their heart.

He is grown and flown, but I remember my little birthday boy:

I remember my boy who loves water.

I remember my boy who loves to dress up:

I remember the gift of an older brother he is:

I remember this valiant missionary:

And righteous man:

Devoted grandson:

And loving husband (and father!):

He is sunshine and goodness and I keep him in my heart.  Happy birthday Braeden!