It occurred to me today that there will be few occasions, if any, when I will take the arm of my son and walk the aisle as his date.
Tonight may have been my swan song.
One day soon, Colton’s arms will belong to another. That’s the way of a growing heart. But tonight was my night. Tonight was a moment to take hold and to hang on and to more fully understand that my mothering, coupled with a whole lot of God’s immeasurable grace, has grown him into a young man filled with strength and laughter and the tenderness of heaven.
Not all mothers will have such an occasion; thus, my grateful heart and my joy-filled thanks to my Father for allowing me the privilege of such a gift–
A walk down the aisle on the arm of my son.
A very good night, friends.
A stone of remembrance to carry in my pocket … my heart … for the rest of my days.
As always,
For fun…
oh, Elaine, that is precious! My boys are 8 and 5…thanks for the glimpse into the future. It helps me number my days! They are precious and few with these priceless gifts!
Beautiful. I’m certain that you have raised a fine, godly young man who will follow hard after the Lord.
Leah
Elaine,
A memory stone for your son as well. You are a lovely WOMAN OF GOD!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
My own sons are now 39 & 35, and I must say there is a special sense that I derive when one of them extends an arm to me. I love their hugs, and the precious, sometimes taunting way they say, "Ahh Mom".
Don't be surprised if those stones don't turn to boulders as the years go by. I haul mine around in a heart that's grown larger to accomodate them.
Kathleen
He has your smile…
Just beautiful, Elaine.
These moments are so fleeting. Yes, mark them!
Thank you for sharing this special memory with us, friend.
Love,
Laura
Nick made me laugh at the end of your video – had to stick his head in there. Didn't see Jayden, but he must have been there somewhere.
So precious my friend. So much love and family. Thanks for sharing this momentous occasion with us. We don't have "homecoming" here so it was neat to see what I've heard so much about.
Also, did I see the basketball team was the "Eagles"? That's my son's highschool mascot and team name as well – We're the "Eastdale Eagles".
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Love & prayers,
Joy
Ahhh, the love of a mother for her son. It never fades. Nor does a son’s love for his mother. It’s a precious bond.
Beautiful pictures!
You must be so proud! What a sweet moment to tuck away and “ponder”.
Love to you friend,
Melinda
So special–and it is wonderful that you see NOW what this moment will be for you as a remembrance. My kids are 5 and 7, so I also have a while. Still brought a lump to my throat. Bless you.
Elaine, I don’t even have a son, but that brought tears to my eyes!
I took a carload of middle school girls to homecoming at the high school on Friday night (Fredericksburg Christian), and I loved seeing the girls of the court on the arms of their fathers … and the boys proudly escorting their mothers.
I know that will be a treasured memory!
Elaine, of course this made me sob!! Colton has grown up to be a very fine looking man I must say. I still can’t fathom our boys are that old!!!
I hope you had a wonderful evening. I remember fondly Ben’s last year of playing basketball. I wanted each and every moment to last forever. We didn’t want the season to ever end!!
Enjoy your time with all of your children (even those times when we want to pull our hair out!!).
Elaine, this is beautiful. A “highlight of my life” moment if ever I heard one. So happy you got to experience it!
Elaine-your family is just precious and you all seem like so much fun!! Thanks for sharing and enjoy those moments!!
In His Graces~Pamela
Precious, Precious, Precious!
How the present can give us glimpses into the future. A boy and his mother always have a special bond. My husband and his mother are so close. He still takes the arm of his mother as he guides her unsteady steps.
This post brought tears to my eyes. My Son is a Senior, so I’m slowly feeling his grip on my arm loosening…sigh. You looked pretty and he’s such a handsome young man.
You got me choked up!
So many moments gone, so many opportunities squandered, sons growing into men before my eyes, and I know I haven’t made the most of their childhoods. Difficulties finding any common ground to help me relate to these boys with minds so different from most…and yet the same love that I would feel for them if they were “normal,” the same desires and hopes for their well-being, both in this life and the life to come…
My oldest is 5 years from being, in the eyes of the state, a grown man. In terms of hormones, he’ll be a man. Will he be ready for that? Even close to ready? Who will he be? Who do I need to be in order to help him most? How can I be a better Mom before I have to let him go into the specially-challenged manhood that awaits him?
Pray for us, if you think of us. And thanks for this reminder of the preciousness of every moment.
Elaine…some of my favorite posts are the ones you write about your children. Maybe because our kids are pretty close in age. I can feel just what your heart is saying.
When I sit next to my son (14) in church, I will put my arm around him, gently rub his back or hold his hand….knowing full well that these moments are we share will be replaced one day by another’s love for him.
I’m praying for that ‘someone’ God has for them already.
…and you looked just beautiful, by the way!
What a beautiful post and touching, funny video!That Colton sure is a handsome young man!
With two boys of my own (very close in age to your sons), I can totally relate to your thoughts and emotions…They grow up way too fast, don’t they? I will be dealing with “empty-nest syndrome” all too soon…
I got a kick out of Nick talking about his grandmother, saying, “She’s not as crabby since she retired.” haha
Blessings…
Thanks for sharing this memory….
For the record, I don’t usually do this but….Tag my friend
So here’s what you have to do….
1 – Link back to the blog that tagged you
2 – Make a list of 6 (un)interesting things about yourself
3 – Tag five other blogs, and let them know by leaving them a comment
A beautiful moment, treasured forever…thank you so much for sharing. That video was PRICELESS! = )
Elaine, what a privilege to walk on the arm of your son, especially one you are so proud of. Thanks for sharing the joy and beauty with us!
Elaine, I love the thought of a stone of remembrance! You made me want to cry as I well remember how precious and swift are those times. They grow so fast but you can rest in the knowledge of a job well done!
Mommas and their boys….
*Sigh*
Sweet, sweet pictures and a priceless memory, Elaine.
(((BIG HUGS!)))
Amy:)
Hi Elaine:
That video is just precious. The part with your Dad and son was just to CUTE!! It was fun to see a glimpse of your family. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Marita
What a beautiful and special moment. One to be cherished. Thank you for sharing with us.
Precious thoughts, precious son, precious memories, precious family…and good looking and smart besides. Congratulations to all!
Love,
R&B
Hi Elaine! That is so wonderful! You’re such a great mother. Thanks for sharing a part of your joy with us today!
Blessings,
Kennisha
Oh Elaine,
That was soooooooooooo much fun! Thanks for sharing that special night with us.
Talk about bring me down memory lane. I’ve done that 3x.
Colton reminds me so much of my Joel, in looks and his personality. (My son is 18 now)
Just precious. I loved seeing your parents, and your darling little girl. Your other son as well.
Now, I can’t wait to get my Flip, thanks to you I’ll be capturing those moments also.
Blessings♥
Mrs. Elaine! How cute are ya’ll?? I loved the post, and absolutely loved the video! It makes me smile really BIG:):)
katiegfromtennessee
This really hit home, Elaine. I have been on a sentimental meltdown the past few days as my oldest just went back to college after a month at home. Your family is so blessed to have you chronicle these events – they truly are the times of our lives!
Awww…what a special time! I’ll be embarking on my first such occasion in a couple weeks when my kindergartener has his first “Mom/son bowling day” through school. Not quite the “Princess Ball” they’re setting up for the dads and daughters, but a date with my guy will be special no matter what the occasion.
Enjoy these days. I can’t imagine the bittersweetness of seeing your ‘job well done’ while realizing that things will be changing so very much so very soon.
Mrs. Elaine,
I have to run to get to work on time, but I wanted to stop by and say the the LORD loves you lots!:)
Love in CHRIST and ((HUGS)),
katiegfromtennessee
(pant) (pant) (pant) I got over here as soon as I could, been ever so busy!
I actually sobbed, not just at your words, but while watching the video. Had all kinds of thoughts going through my mind. a mixture of all the family we have lost these past 3 years…how my kids will not have many memories like that at your son’s age…how much he will treasure this video when his grandparents leave this world.
So thankful God has given You the wisdom and foresight to make these days special now, to make the memories count for something, to not waste a single moment. For many, it takes a loss to realize what we shoulda, woulda, coulda done.
Very special post, Elaine. One of my favorites.
Thank you for this amazing reminder that we are SO blessed as moms…that our gifts come in many forms…one being memories to treasure!
wifeforthejourney:
I’ve spent some time looking back at some old pictures I’ve had buried in a file in my office from our first pastoral appointment. Pictures of Colton at age 7 or 8, with his brother Nick – it is hard to believe how quickly the time has passed.
Thank you for the blessings you have imparted to us all. It was indeed Colton’s night, but you will always have a share in in his triumphs. We both have so much to be proud of, and I am very proud of you and Colton!
Love,
Billy
Loved your mommy entry here. I’m feeling the tug myself as my son slowly enters manhood. Tears are close to the surface as I watch him grow. I’m learning to let go.
Loved the video. Great to see your family. See you and hear your voice.
It’s been too long since I’ve visited. It’s great to see you are still posting your journey. Keep it up. God is using your words.
Hugs from Colorado,
Tiffany
Tears… just tears! What a moment in time… a keepsake… a heart deposit…