Today Daniel turns 13 years old, a very symbolic birthday for both of us! Daniel is my friend, my buddy, someone I love hanging out with. I am enormously proud of him, not for anything he does or doesn't do, just for who he is. Some say I am blind to his faults, some even accuse me of having an Oedipus comlex. Its not so, I know his many faults, the guy can drive me frikkin' crazy. I will also not be weeping at his wedding one day wishing he would marry me instead. But love him, oh yes I do, more than I can ever explain. I love his self-confidence, I love his sarky clever sense of homour, I love his wit. He is comfortable amongst grown-ups and although can speak the biggest load of bull, he can hold his own. So far the awkwardness of hormone induced body shape and skin have alluded him. He remains a boy with perfect skin, no gangly long limbs just yet, no sweaty pits and no up & down voice. Oh I hope he doesn't get my skin but who knows, it could still be coming. He is so in-between, half child, half teen.
I have a young women at my church about 25 or so with a little boy of about 5 months. I sit behind her and watch how she kisses and inhales her small son. She is all mother and madly in love. That was me 13 years ago. I was fascinated at how big that mother love was, how it fitted me like a glove and how I loved being the mother to this boy God had blessed me with. For a good year I was drunk on it, the love, milky boobs, baby skin, mother pride. Me, a mom, what a mind freak!
And now 13 years have gone by and I am still so crazy about this boy. How lucky am I to be his mom, his biggest fan, his cheerleader through life. He could be different, he could have issues. For those who know our early circumstances you could easily imagine someone angry with rejection or bitterness in his life. But not, he knows he is loved. His mom, his dad, his sisters, his aunts & uncle, his Mimi and especially his Pops. The only dampener on our perfect day is the worry over our Pops. Daniel & Pops have always had a connection, they are both 'mens men.' The trip bypass was scheduled for today but he had another mild heart attack on Wednesday so we are now hoping for Sunday. Sister T has written about it in more detail.
I haven't even bought him a proper present, Gary says they will go shopping together tomorrow. We did walk round and round for hours but nothing, whatever I choose is lame as I know nothing. What he did get this morning is an acceptance letter into high school! We are both stoked. It is not the 'all boys traditional sporting school' I originally wanted, just a really good regular state school that is affordable and close by and just perfect for him. Now I can stop worrying about cashing in the educational policy that is sending us to Mauritius in 84 more sleeps!
Much happiness all around :)
Happy Happy Birthday Daniel!
Thinking of you all and especially your Dad.
Posted by: kate | 04 July 2009 at 04:03 AM
Happy birthday Daniel!
How is your dad, Mel?
xxx
Posted by: Coral | 05 July 2009 at 05:41 PM
Hope Daniel had an awesome birthday. He really is a gorgeous child/boy/teen/man. Whichever HE thinks is appropriate. ;-)
B
Posted by: BiancaW | 06 July 2009 at 09:21 AM
Congrats Daniel. That a major milestone and you sound like a wonderful young man.
Posted by: JaneW | 06 July 2009 at 12:29 PM
Happy happy birthday Daniel! And congratulations Mel!
So much of your post rang true for me with my precious knucklehead... It was truly inspired.
Posted by: angel | 06 July 2009 at 09:58 PM