A Boy’s First Love is His Mama

A Mama is a boy’s first love.  And it is a deep one.  As mother’s, we are called to raise our Warriors to leave and cleave.  They will and will do both.

Today I’m reminded of Favorite First born’s beautiful words for me on the day of his wedding.  I am honored to share them again with you.  Not to boast or well up in pride, but to encourage you.

To let you know that your motherhood has purpose.

And that purpose is huge and wonderful and heartbreaking and worthy all at the same time.

This post first appeared on the blog July 9, 2016,
when Favorite First Born married Favorite Creative.
I thankfully and humbly share it with you again today.  

She first held me, kissed me, showered me with grace, and introduced me to the world. She often refers to me, and her other 3 boys, as warriors, but that doesn’t truly represent what we are, at least now. To her, we’re actually heartbreakers.

You see, for the last 27 years, she’s been grooming, protecting, and caring for her kids with a love that I can’t even begin to fathom. This nesting hasn’t been easy, or fun, or even pretty, but it’s always been real.

This post, just to forewarn you, is authentic, possibly sappy, but mostly heartfelt.

This is how I leave my first love; it’s an ode to my mother.

 

Mom,

Today I take the hand of another woman.

And I know that – deep down – it’s hard for you.

Because as I look back on life, you’re in every single moment.

And I know I don’t tell you enough, but I appreciate you!

And my appreciation isn’t even about love; it’s about life.

It’s about the sacrifices you made, and continue to make, being a mom.

It’s about the fact that being a mom is the most difficult job description ever.

And the fact that you’ve spent over half of your life doing it, willingly.

I love you with my whole heart.

And you are without a doubt, my first love.

But this ode isn’t to celebrate you.

It’s to release you; this is my breakup from you.

As my life changes today so does yours.

But that’s okay.

You see, it’s your time to be selfish for once;

It’s your time to not have to be a mom.

But please don’t take this the wrong way.

You will always be my mom.

But like me, you need your space.

You need the opportunity to flourish as the person you were designed to be.

So, as our lives change today,

Please remember this:

(1) It’s okay for your life title to just be mom, should you choose for it to be.

(2) Don’t try too hard to define your purpose, it will find you; it already has many times over.

(3) Your impact on this world is permanently inked into 4 boys, and everything they touch.

(4) We serve a Savior that has planned “this” from day one.

(5) Express yourself. In whatever way best allows you to do so.

(6) Start prepping for Grandma-hood; It’s never too early.

(7) Don’t forget to cry sometimes… but smile often.

(8) Know you are loved more than words in a blog could ever express.

 

 

Life is changing today,

And this is our breakup.

But it’s beautiful;

You’re beautiful.

So, to my first love.

Well done, my good and faithful servant; Well done, mom.

Here’s to the next 27 years, and all of the journey’s we’ll have together.

I love you!

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To all of the mothers out there, please know that you are cherished, your life has purpose, and even when you can’t see it, you ARE impacting your children.

I owe more to my mother than I’ll ever be able to repay for her grace, love, insights, and care; I know that I am not the only child who feels that way.

Thank you Mom. Lets have a glass of wine and welcome another beautiful lady into the family today!

A warrior, son, and now, husband!

– Stephen

“No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother’s love.”

– Edwin H. Chapin

 

“No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother’s love.” - Edwin H. Chapin Click To Tweet