Child of Mine

Dear Child of Mine,

I remember the moment I first loved you.  I was singing and you jumped inside me.  I felt you move and I knew I loved you.  When you were first placed in my arms, I remember becoming so overwhelmed with feeling for you that all I could do was cry, "My baby, my baby!"  At that moment you ceased your crying and looked up at me.  Your eyes were clear and you recognized me, or at least my voice.  I never loved a child so much until that moment. 

It was through your eyes that once I was comforted.  When you were only a few months old, I was struggling through a very difficult time in my life.  My pain had nothing to do with you but I was anguished and felt trapped in my own sorrows.  I could not speak of my troubles and I was so very lost.  I was holding you, feeding you a bottle and crying.  My tears flowed down my cheeks and I prayed so fervently for some comfort.  When I looked down at you then your eyes were clear and I could see that you understood me.  A babe of only four months, but your eyes held the wisdom of a mature adult, a grown spirit.  Your eyes communicated your love and understanding.  They were not the baby eyes I had seen every time I looked into your eyes before or after that moment.  They were the eyes of a mature spirit, temporarily unhindered by a young body that he was just learning how to use.  I knew at that moment the Lord had allowed me (and you) to see each other as his spirits.  I felt loved and comforted and it was through your eyes.

I remember when years later I was suffering again.  Though of quite a different nature.  I was feeling the burden of another pregnancy.  You were caring beyond your years, always offering to help me or get something for me.  You knew just when to sit still near me and hold my hand.  Your small strength was a blessing to me and I felt loved by you again. 

Today you turned seven.  In your short seven years, I can name more than a few times you have given me more than I could give you as your mother.  Lyman dear, I love you, child of mine.

Happy Birthday,
Love,
Your Mother