• Oct. 16, 2009 - Brandon Turns "18"!?
Don't Blink
 (Brandon "1991")
 (Brandon "2009")
Today is very emotional for me. We are celebrating my Brandon's "18th" birthday. My heart goes flying back in time. You see, we have been planning a HUGE birthday bash for him for weeks now.
As I have been making out the guest lists, calling the Dee Jay, writing checks, planning the details, I am quickly taken back to his first birthday. It seems like yesterday that I was planning his big Chuckee Cheese party.
I had friends and family who didn't understand why I would want to spend money on something (they said) he would never remember. All these years later and I wouldn't change a thing. Do you know why....., because "I" remember.
All too soon, his days at home are coming to an end, and yet it seems like it was just yesterday that I was putting his pudgy little diapered bottom in the front of my grocery cart. Where did the time go?
I close my eyes and can still see me kissing his little-boy boo boo's or drying his little baby head after bath time. I remember running him to ice hockey, soccer, co-op classes, you name it.
I will never forget going through nursing school with a young baby. Scott worked evenings and so I would tuck him into his Barney laden bed, and sit in my great grandmother's rocking chair with a small lamp studying my Latin terminology until he fell asleep. (I got some of my best studying done in those quiet hours where it was just he and I)
I will never forget that exact moment the Lord called me to lay aside my plans to embrace "HIS" plans. Where I had dreamed of a long career as Florence Nightingale,He saw me as a stay at home, homeschooling mom. Thank you Lord for knowing what was best for me because it truly was the BEST decision I ever made!
Twelve years later and I can't believe that I ever hesitated. It has been an honor and privilege to educate my boys, and to be with them as they had their "aha" moments.
However, as sentimental and bittersweet as those memories are I am even more proud of the young adult my Brandon has become. The Lord made Brandon who he is and just allowed Scott and I a few treasured years to help develop what was already there..., A deep love for Jesus, A deep love for others, Powerful communication skills, positivity, adaptability, humor, etc..., What an honor it is to be his mother!
Brandon Arnold may you always feel the Love of your Savior guiding and directing every single decision you ever have to make. Don't ever get caught up in the things of this world my son. 1 John 2:17 tells us that, "THIS world is quickly fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever!"
May you always know how much your daddy and I love you and believe in you. It is our honor to now step to the sidelines and take on the role of cheerleader as you make your own life, mistakes and all.
Remember our family motto, "Fall Down, Get Up, Fail Forward and FINISH WELL" It's okay to make a mistake as long as you learn from them! I love you with my whole heart and I am so proud to be your mother!
I am going to close with a song that ties it all together my sweet son. All too soon you will be married and beginning your family. My prayer is that you don't every take one single second for granted because the minute you blink it's all over......., DON'T BLINK
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• Oct. 17, 2009 - Happy Birthday Brandon!
((Mary)), thank you for sharing your precious family with your online friends too. I'm so encouraged by parents like you and Scott.