Happy Birthday Donny!!

I can hardly believe that my son turned 11 years old this weekend!!  My camera wasn't working so I was unable to take any birthday pictures at our family party but this is a recent one from last month.

When I think of my son on his birthday, there is an overwhelming flood of emotions.  Mostly, I am so grateful to God for entrusting us with our son.  Donny is full of life, silliness, joy and curiosity.  He's a hard working student who gets good grades, is willing to help others and as his teacher calls him "a quiet leader in the classroom." 

There is also a sense of sadness that he is growing up too quickly.  If only I could slow down the process a bit... enjoy each moment more...and keep it in my memory.  It hasn't been that long since he first started school, or learned to ride his bike, or was potty trained but it feels like a lifetime ago. 

Regret is another emotion I feel for my son, only because we were never able to have another baby.  I deeply regret that he has no brothers or sisters.  When we get together with my siblings and their children for family parties, I think... he won't have any siblings to get together with for Christmas, Easter or birthdays.  I've already spoken to my sisters about this issue and this is also why I want my son to grow up close to his cousins so he can join them for the holidays as he grows into adulthood.  That his cousins, will be a part of his life after my husband and I have passed on. 

I really do worry about this because I don't want him feeling lonely in adulthood.  I have my brother and two sisters and we're close.   I want to be involved in my nieces and nephew's lives for my sake as well as my son's.  Family is very important and it's not always easy, but they are your support and gifts from God.  We must treasure them.

OK I'm feeling a bit melancholy here so I must stop... my story of infertility is for another day.  I want to be happy that I have a healthy 11 year old son!

God Bless,
noreen