Happy Birth-day
Tomorrow is the Boy’s birthday. I could tell you all about my inherent inability to organize cute invitations, a decorated cake, and how I don’t have a gift yet…but, really? Is that interesting? I sold out and decided on a package deal at a retro bowling alley. Done. I also took my laundry to a wash and fold. Done. Are you happy? I’m simplifying my life.
But, tomorrow is his birth-day. Certainly a wonderful day for most 6 year olds … and it will be for Christian. (he’s been chatting about it since October.) But, tomorrow is the day he entered the world, and the first woman he saw was his birth mother. He opened his wide, almond-shaped chocolate eyes, and gazed at eyes that were just like his. And, he felt love, I’m sure. He had a swirl of black hair, and beautiful crimson lips that she probably memorized.
I’m thinking about her tonight and tomorrow, but if I’m honest I think about her almost every day. Tomorrow not only marks the day my son entered this world, it marks the day that this woman, on the other side of the world, made a choice. And, so simply and beautifully her choice changed all of our lives forever. Certainly there is a story behind her choice, and we have had to fill in the gaps. But, that doesn’t replace the awe I feel for this woman.
Sometimes I feel wistful that I wasn’t the first to see his deep brown eyes. I didn’t feel his tiny 7lb body snoring away on my chest…or, to push away that crazy black hair off his big forehead. Then, I remember that I saw him figure out how to walk backwards, jump, have the stomach flu the first time, read his first word … and ask me, his Mom, to rub his back when he is upset.
So tonight I think of her…wondering if his smile fills his entire face, wondering if his giant eyes melt away your daily worries, wondering if his crazy hair finally covered his giant forehead, wondering if he walks into a room and makes everyone smile … and wondering if he is loved.
And, tonight I answer yes. Happy birth-day.
February 17, 2011 at 5:46 pm
Happy birthday, C-man and amazing post by his mom. Thanks for sharing this!! Lots of love to all!!
February 17, 2011 at 6:00 pm
This is beautiful! Happy Birth-day to your little man!
February 17, 2011 at 8:06 pm
and then. . . I cried. the world became a more beautiful and silly place the day C came into this world. thank you, thank you, thank you for that. love you all so very much.
February 18, 2011 at 8:52 am
Beautifully written Rachel! What a gift his birth mother has given to you and your family. Happy BDay C Dawg!!
February 18, 2011 at 10:44 am
Simply a beautiful tribute to an amazing boy!! Definitely misted up. Happy Birthday C!
February 18, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Could have warned me not to read at work. He’ll love his birthday, but it is your day too!