My son. ( Archived) (28)

Not often I post about my children, simply because they are too special to share with you lot.

And that is only to say I am selfish, because I want him all to myself.

But I can't, any longer. For reasons I will bore you with.

For those that know me, you will be aware that I have children, two biological ones and one that I took on at the age of nine.

My eldest, is 21 in three weeks and three months ago the selfish sod moved to the US, on a scholarship to a sporting academy. He now has one more left before he qualifies as a golf teacher, he turned professional on the circuit last year and having won this special achievement he has fulfilled so far what he wanted to be as a little boy knocking balls into badly dug holes in our garden as a three year old, snotty nosed brat.

This kid has been amazing, never caused me a day's worry, a loving, handsome, generous young man, who greets life with a drive and ambition that is second to none. Just a beautiful young man, who has adapted to his new life very easily.

When he was ten, on the eve of his birthday, I asked him to write a letter to himself, about his dreams and ambitions and what he thought life was all about and that we would open that letter when he was 21 and that time is now approaching and I have the letter still sealed in an envelope.

I remember as a naive 20 year old, holding him in a private moment, just him and I, with his blue eyes looking up at me and thinking and saying out loud, 'I am not sure what I am going to do with you, but we will manage'

Now, as he approaches this birthday, and when he was going to the US, I know look up at him, all 6' 4" of him and I told him what I had said to him when he was just hours old and he looked back down at me with the very same blue eyes and said 'Mum, we managed'

I leave next Friday to go to the US, to have my golf swing seen to, by him, he knows my body, he can guide me to improve my swing, I can clean his windows, I can clean his oven and I can make him his favourite dish, Shepherd's Pie.

What it feels to be a parent. I now know how my father feels, wonderful, elated, saddened at times. But hell, the best role I ever took on as a young person was that of a mother.

He has inherited my blue eyes, my smile,my coolness, his father's ability to knock a football around and knock a golf ball right where it should be. But he has grown into a human being that is a delight and a pleasure.

And for a moment, I wanted to share with you, my son. Because I am not totally selfish

Happy Birthday Son, see you in the sunshine state.

Sommer for you and you baba's Happy birthday to your boy who's growing up

Awww I know what it is like . Mine is only 15 mind you . But in the same token they were so little in your arms and then all of a sudden they are 6'2" and getting so far from us and independant.... Happy Birthday to Him Hope it is a good one.....

Fantastic words from a Mother. Your son is a lucky man! I know you will say you are the lucky one. Enjoy Florida and time with your son.

Beautiful!
I wish you were my Mom!
Sounds like you did a fantastic job. I don't think I'm cut out for motherhood but you make it sound like it pays off.
Pride in ones family is such a beaming, brilliant thing.

Sommer, your post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your son with us.

My older son just turned 16 on Friday...all 5'11" of him, and still growing. Tomorrow his father is taking him for his test to get his driving permit. They grow up so fast.

Yes, there is no better role in this life than that of being a parent.

Erm, what are you doing here?

Beautiful tribute Sommer.....

No one is cut out for motherhood. I remember when I was pregnant and trying, yes trying to tell my own father that I was pregnant.

Who was my age now, 41 and I asked him what's the worst thing that could happen to me. He said 'You could not be here any longer'

'Oh good, 'I said 'Because I am pregnant.

My father was quite devastated at being a grandfather and reminded me of what a brat I had been.

But the moment, my father stared at that little boy who is now about to be 21, me nearly 41 and my dad nearly 62, he fell in love and the moment I saw a fridge magnet displaying the following:

'If I had've known grandchildren were so much fun I would have had them first'

I am the middle generation of us, I look up to my father and he is proud of what we are, we can all smile and think 'Yes, we are not bad for accidents'


No person can prepare a parent for what is about to happen.

They just cannot. I thank my lucky stars that I made some mistakes, but we managed.

And being a parent, is like falling in love, when you hold them in your arms, it does not mean, now we have this, and remain stoic in that.

Being a parent altered my world as I knew it, and what it taught me is how to adjust my feelings as he grew and I did, because his needs changed, I never felt my heart sag, when he was leaving for his new life, I miss him, but in a good way.

In letting him go, I will keep him close to me forever.