Love thy neighbor as thyself

To my son,

It is finally May! I am thrilled and a bit sad, but I know all will be well. With the month of May comes, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, graduations, celebrations of Holy communion, my father’s passing and my birthday. It’s a celebration extravaganza. Despite a lot of heart ache this month brings, I do only want to speak of my eldest Josh’s triumphant completion of high school.

No words can describe the joys, pains, and sufferings of motherhood. But, one thing I know for sure is that I cherish every day of motherhood, and I am forever grateful. I became a mother to an exuberant 8lb 8 oz baby boy on January 17, 2007. We named him Joshua. Since that day Joshua has been a non-stop, very active, determined, athletic, and intelligent little boy. At first I did not know how to harness his energy, and by the end of each day I would pour myself into bed from how exhausted I was from chasing and protecting him. I can look back and laugh now, but a story I will share only speaks of a fraction of his energy level.

Since I was a young girl, I dreamt of two things, motherhood or joining a religious order to serve God. So, as a new mom, I longed to cuddle with my little one and read a book with him on my lap. However, as I told my friends, trying to cuddle with Joshua, as a toddler, was like hugging a cactus! Ouch!

He simply did not want to be held down and would wiggle his way free from my arms. He wanted to run and explore. After a few failed attempts of trying to cuddle, I finally accepted his energy and would watch him run several laps around my kitchen table. I just removed objects to free his path from injury. Then, I would read the book, The Cat in the Hat in a loud voice as he ran laps. I thought for sure he had paid no attention to me. Yet, after a few days and without my coaxing, he would sit in the back of the car and recite the words from the book nearly verbatim. The first time I heard him repeat the words that had been read to him while running laps, I nearly stopped my car abruptly. I asked. “What did you just say?” and he would repeat himself.

And, this describes my son’s personality to this very day as an 18-year-old. Joshua is a brilliant young man with an abundance of energy. They say some men cannot multitask, but Josh has proven otherwise. I love that he can be passionate about many things at one time such as sports and academics. Furthermore, I love his fearlessness and drive towards independence. I look in awe at him as he becomes a young man who loves many things and gives all that he has to each thing and person that he loves. The energy that was once bothersome as a toddler has become strength towards his goals. He is an example for many to emulate. Joshua may all your future endeavors be successful, and may you always trust in God’s plans when they are not. Finally, always remember to put Christ in all things.

I love you, Joshua. Thank you for being my son. Thank you, God, for blessing me with Joshua. Amen. By Isabel Anderson