When my son asked me to give a toast at his wedding reception I knew it would be emotional. After all, I had been battling random tears and joyful sobs since my baby became engaged.
How did he get here?
Grown up.
Married.
It goes way back actually. I think it started about the time of potty training!
Oh yes. I remember that moment when he decided to go in the potty like a big boy. So proud of him. Learning and growing and making good choices is hard work!
Some days were more difficult than others. Because learning to choose is so hard, from time to time we offered a reward.
His favorite? Matchbox Cars.
How proud he was to stand in front of that great big toy aisle. His little eyes scanned the huge selection. His tiny finger pointed as he said, “Mommy, I want that one!”
And my baby boy continued to grow.
Ready for Kindergarten now. How could it be? So proud of him. Learning and growing and ready to make good choices with the help of other teachers.
This was a big step. He would need a backpack.
He was so proud to stand in the Back-to-School aisle. His nervous eyes examined the display. He knew how important this moment was. This one choice would carry everything he needed between school and home every day! And as his finger pointed he said, ” Mommy, I want that one!”
And my little boy continued to grow.
Those school years passed by so fast. He did such a fine job, my son. We were so proud that he found a job and learned to be responsible.
One day he announced he had found a car he wanted to buy. He had saved his own money. He wanted to buy it himself. As we drove into the lot, his eyes beamed with pride. His finger pointed as he said, “Mom, I want that one!”
Oh. How he did grow, my boy.
And the time? It continued to pass. He came home one day with a girl. She was lovely and sweet. I watched them grow closer together. I could see them learning about each other. I could see love grow in their eyes.
In time, my son looked at this girl with eyes filled with deep love.
He knew.
And I knew.
He proudly said, “Mom, I want that one!”
And so here we are. My little boy has become a man. And after a lifetime of learning to choose, we are so proud!
Here’s to “the one”!
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Cor. 13:11-13
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. – Proverbs 3:3
Shelly Simoneau Stories 