It’s 5:30 am and I step into your room. I take a peek at your nice shaven scalp and peaceful face. You are still asleep. A gentle snore emits from your nostrils as you snuffle and adjust your duvet for more purchase of cosiness, my heart is full.
I rest on the door jamb for a while, staring at your silhouette that is cast by the bluish little night light on your beside stand; you have never liked to sleep in the dark, even as a baby.
Where did time go? I wonder in amazement as I look at my yet to awaken son. You will rouse from sleep, shedding the age 13 and rightfully 14 years today.
In awe, I drift just a little bit down memory lane, even as I ponder at the essence of time and wishing I could catch it and trap it in a capped bottle.
My high scholar son, since the moment that your wriggly, squalling, head full of hair and beautiful (dare I say so) tiny self was placed in my arms, till this moment, I have never ceased to gaze at you; never quite sure how I got so lucky 🙂 I have cherished the priceless moments of watching you grow, and will remember these memories as long as I live.
You have always been a bouncy, charming and happy child, even as a baby, you were just so peaceful.
Now, look at you! My strapping Six footer, towering over Mama, yet, just yesterday, you were stretching out your little arms to be carried. I watch as you learn independence, eager to assert yourself, no longer clinging to the tails of my skirt for everything, even though I catch myself dismayed at times with such speedy growth process, I remain a proud mama.
My Cordon Bleu chef, who whips up a la carte breakfasts to the delight of family and visitors; how did I get so lucky?
My Mr. Fix it, ready to help mum with any technical stuff that stumps my imagination (and this happens quite often).
I admire your caring, protective and helping hands towards your siblings especially your younger brother who adores you so much. You are a blessing to our family.
I watch in amusement when you shy away from a mummy’s hug in front of your mates and I do enjoy your chuckles when you watch mummy do her dancing antics.
Today, I promised not to give you a lecture 😉
I thank the Lord for your life and pray each day that you will be safe and free from harm.
I pray as you turn into a full-fledged teen, that your mind is guarded by God’s peace.
That you would chose right from wrong, standing tall, proud and strong.
May the right spirit be renewed within you everyday, with wisdom, with integrity of heart and uprightness.
May the hand of the Lord continue to guide you as you gradually inch your way to manhood.
May your days be long and rich in faith, love, joy and kindness.
You teach me things that I did not know before, such as parenting, and that does not come with a manual and you make me glad to declare that you are my son. It is a declaration of love, pride, joy, fierce protectiveness and sometimes anger and despair.
To you, my dear young man, with a heart overflowing with love, I wish a very marvelous and happy 14th birthday.
Mummy.

Aww, this brought tears to my eyes. What a handsome young man. Happy birthday and many more to come!!!
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Amen to the prayer. Many thanks Tasha. He will definitely read this :). Stay blessed
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Happy Birthday, dear son of a loving mom. This post is a beautiful birthday gift. Have your printed it out, tied it with a ribbon, and added it to his Birthday presents? I have a feeling he’d cherish it.
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You are truly right this is something to cherish. Thank you from Nnamdi the 14 year old son of a loving mom.
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Absolutely beautiful! This is quite a tribute to him and you, the loving mummy. One he will always cherish. Pass along happy birthday!
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🙂 Thank you. He is right over my shoulder as I read this and grinning like a Cheshire cat
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Too sweet!
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We’ve all been there – standing at the door, while they sleep Jacqueline! So pleased for you. Have a really special day together!
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Thank you Reuben for stopping by. We did have a blast yesterday.
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I am not yet a parent but I dream of the day when I have the honor. This is what I imagine it would be like; simply idealistic. While I myself am not much older than your son, I still resonate with that parental love you emit. I hope today is filled with joy for you Jacqueline 😉
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Thank you my dear friend. You will definitely get there some day soon and hopefully, we will share in your experience a bit. We did have a very nice time yesterday. Thanks for stopping by and for the lovely comments.
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Thank you and you’re welcome. 🙂
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Absolutely beautiful! You captured the essence of motherhood. *tears*
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Aww. Thank you Kay. Thank you for taking the time to read.
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This is just beautiful. I have a 15 year old son, and I could really relate. Loved this 🙂
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Hi Kelly, thanks for taking the time to stop and reading my article. It’s not easy being a parent but I wouldn’t change it for the World. Best regards.
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Heard your sentiments loud and clear in that piece, and agree! All the best to you as well 🙂
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Thank you.
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Thankful for the connection – btw, my son is 6′ 1″ at 15!!! My husband is 6′ 4″ and I’m 5′ 9″ so that explains it!
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You are most welcome. I am 5’11 my husband is 6’3 and my 14 year old is 6 ft and doesn’t look like he is in a hurry to stop 🙂 He virtually wears his dad’s size in clothes.
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Haha! And the shoes!!! He’s in a 13 now – going to get really expensive there really soon! But it’s good to be tall. I have an 18 year old daughter as well. She is 6′. She had a rough time in high school with her height because she didn’t play any sports. She paints and plays piano instead – more artistic. But now, in college, she’s fine with it, and getting a lot of attention. I kept telling her it would all work out…so finally, she’s seeing that for herself.
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I can very well imagine. I was so self conscious when I was growing up because I was virtually taller than all the boys in my class, and skinny to boot, but it eventually evened out and I started getting all the attention (now I wish I was skinny) My daughter who is 11 going 12 is almost as tall as I am and I have started buying expensive adult shoes for my son who is currently a size 14 and it is not funny 😦
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Well feel free to commiserate with me anytime! We can compare prices on shoes and sales we hear of! lol Hope you have a great day
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That is definitely a good idea.
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Enjoy every moment with him. Before you know it he will fly the nest and your heart will be constantly worried. My older sons are on their own and it scares me that I can no longer protect them from this cruel world.
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Thank you Tracey. I will endeavor to cherish every moment.
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This is lovely. May you always take pleasure in everything he is and does.
If you don’t mind, here are some parent-reflections of my own:
http://yonasongoldson.com/2015/11/24/a-message-to-my-son/
Thank you.
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Thank you Yonason. I appreciate your words and your visit. Will surely take a look.
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