Saturday, April 16, 2011
L is for LOVE
Love is very personal. It is something different for everyone. Here are some pictures of what love is to me.
K is for Kelly
K is for Kelly, my first born. I fulfilled my dream of becoming a mother with his birth. I am very fortunate to have a unique relationship with each of my children. I don't love one better than the next. Although they have tried for years to make me pick favorites, they each have their special place in my heart. There is always that special place for your firstborn.
We discovered my pregnancy shortly after the death of my mother in law. It was a devastating time to lose your mom and become a father at the same time,so I didn't have a lot of support. My parents were happy about the baby, not so much with the father so that support line was missing as well. My Grandma Souza was there for me. She helped put all of those first time mommy fears out of my head. When Kelly was born, my life changed forever.
He was always a high energy boy. And he definitely kept me on my toes. He was always a loving child and always felt things deeply. When he was 4, my brother died. I learned a valuable lesson. Little kids may not understand, but the do feel and grieve. Uncle Michael and Kelly had this bond for music and dancing. Especially to the Michael Jackson tape of Bad! Sorry hon, your secret is out!
Through out school, Kelly gave me many sleepless nights. He wasn't the overachiever, but he had the heart to succeed. His senior year was amazing. Everything came so easy for him. He lettered in wrestling and was elected to Warrior council (a high school leadership group). He had a great time. I believe that this was also the year he went to every high school prom in the area...with a different girl! His tux was on permanent rental.
His senior year was momentous for many reasons. Right after he started, the World Trade Center was attacked. We were riveted to our televisions. I remember a conversation that I had with my sister that night. I told her it was the first time in my life that I was jealous of my siblings. When she asked why, it was because my sons were old enough to go to war. My nieces and nephews were all too young. That is when Kelly decided to join the military.
We also had one of those boo hoo mommy milestones. My baby was graduating from high school. I have been through so many of these milestones with my children, but that first time is always the most bittersweet. And then he moved out.
Kelly has always marched to his own drummer. He will never be accused of being a saint. But no one can say he didn't live his life to the fullest. He is the father of my oldest grandson. He has done a tour in Iraq (don't get me started on that one). He has bungee jumped, ridden in a helicopter, raced cars, taken too many chances, and given this mom way too many grey hairs.
But Kelly inspires me. I know that if I really need him, he will always be there for me. He inspires me to live life, not watch it pass by.
We discovered my pregnancy shortly after the death of my mother in law. It was a devastating time to lose your mom and become a father at the same time,so I didn't have a lot of support. My parents were happy about the baby, not so much with the father so that support line was missing as well. My Grandma Souza was there for me. She helped put all of those first time mommy fears out of my head. When Kelly was born, my life changed forever.
He was always a high energy boy. And he definitely kept me on my toes. He was always a loving child and always felt things deeply. When he was 4, my brother died. I learned a valuable lesson. Little kids may not understand, but the do feel and grieve. Uncle Michael and Kelly had this bond for music and dancing. Especially to the Michael Jackson tape of Bad! Sorry hon, your secret is out!
Through out school, Kelly gave me many sleepless nights. He wasn't the overachiever, but he had the heart to succeed. His senior year was amazing. Everything came so easy for him. He lettered in wrestling and was elected to Warrior council (a high school leadership group). He had a great time. I believe that this was also the year he went to every high school prom in the area...with a different girl! His tux was on permanent rental.
His senior year was momentous for many reasons. Right after he started, the World Trade Center was attacked. We were riveted to our televisions. I remember a conversation that I had with my sister that night. I told her it was the first time in my life that I was jealous of my siblings. When she asked why, it was because my sons were old enough to go to war. My nieces and nephews were all too young. That is when Kelly decided to join the military.
We also had one of those boo hoo mommy milestones. My baby was graduating from high school. I have been through so many of these milestones with my children, but that first time is always the most bittersweet. And then he moved out.
Kelly has always marched to his own drummer. He will never be accused of being a saint. But no one can say he didn't live his life to the fullest. He is the father of my oldest grandson. He has done a tour in Iraq (don't get me started on that one). He has bungee jumped, ridden in a helicopter, raced cars, taken too many chances, and given this mom way too many grey hairs.
But Kelly inspires me. I know that if I really need him, he will always be there for me. He inspires me to live life, not watch it pass by.
I love you!
J is for Joshua
My favorite J word is Joshua. He is my youngest son. Although he is 24, married and has a family of his own, he is still my baby boy. He will always make me smile and he is never afraid to laugh.
When I was pregnant with Josh, I already had 2 little boys at home. Everyone told me that this was my girl. I always knew in my heart, I was going to have another son. And he came into the world as fast as he became a part of my heart. My entire labor labor lasted only 45 minutes! Welcome Joshua Allen Madsen!
When he was 15 months old we discovered he had severe food allergies. We were at a pizza parlor when Josh suddenly started coughing and wheezing. He couldn't breathe. I grabbed him (leaving my husband and the other 2 boys at the pizza parlor), and drove him to the ambulance company. My future brother in law remembers opening the door to this frantic woman pleading for help because her baby couldn't breathe. This became Josh's first ambulance ride.
He was always be a loving child. And continues to be a loving man. He inspires me to never take myself so seriously that I can't laugh. Josh helps me appreciate and see joy in the little things.
He is a good husband and father. He serves in our military. It doesn't matter if he is singing, dancing, or just acting like a clown, Josh can make anyone smile. He is witty and has a great sense of humor. I am very proud of him.
When I was pregnant with Josh, I already had 2 little boys at home. Everyone told me that this was my girl. I always knew in my heart, I was going to have another son. And he came into the world as fast as he became a part of my heart. My entire labor labor lasted only 45 minutes! Welcome Joshua Allen Madsen!
When he was 15 months old we discovered he had severe food allergies. We were at a pizza parlor when Josh suddenly started coughing and wheezing. He couldn't breathe. I grabbed him (leaving my husband and the other 2 boys at the pizza parlor), and drove him to the ambulance company. My future brother in law remembers opening the door to this frantic woman pleading for help because her baby couldn't breathe. This became Josh's first ambulance ride.
He was always be a loving child. And continues to be a loving man. He inspires me to never take myself so seriously that I can't laugh. Josh helps me appreciate and see joy in the little things.
He is a good husband and father. He serves in our military. It doesn't matter if he is singing, dancing, or just acting like a clown, Josh can make anyone smile. He is witty and has a great sense of humor. I am very proud of him.
I love you son!
I is for Imagine
Imagine by John Lennon is one of my favorite songs. It has a powerful message. Here is a version sung by the cast of GLEE. I hope you enjoy.
H is for Home
There's no place like home.
Is there anything more comforting than home? No. But it always amazes me how there are so many people who don't know what makes a house a home. I often cringe when I hear people say, "You have a beautiful home" because all they see is the house.So what is a home? Is it the sticks and stones formed into a large box? What about the big TV, the fancy furniture, or the pretty pictures on the wall? I don't think so. These things are stuff, makeup if you will, to hide bare walls and floors of a house. To me, home is where you feel safe. Where you feel loved. It is the one place that despite your faults, failures, successes, moods, or inadequacies, you can be you. It is the heart of you and those closest to you. A home is love.
When I turned 18 and moved away from home, I was told that it was no longer my home. I didn't understand. I have always felt that 'home was where your heart was'. I was moving into an apartment for growth as an adult, but never wanted to have my home torn from me. That simple, final comment became a foundation for me and my family. I have always tried to make a home for my family. Not just a nice house.
I realized what an impact that event was on my life several years ago. My father was criticizing my oldest son. My boys still come home and rummage through the kitchen for something to eat. My father told my son that he had no right to disrespect me that way. It was no longer his home, but his mother's home. I looked at my dad and said, "As long as this is my home, it is my children's home". My mother questioned me and said I never felt comfortable treating her house that way. I just told her, "Because you said it was no longer my home. I was just a guest in your home."
Our home was safe, happy, and full of love. My children will never be "guests" in my home. (Although some times I wish that they would remember that they are over 13.) And now most of my children have grown up, started their own families and homes. I have helped them pack and move into their own houses. And there, they can start new traditions and make homes for their families. But no matter what, everyone of them know that wherever Mom is, will always be their home.
They know that they can always come home.
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