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.