When you were young, you were prone to accidents. I thought age would cure it. I kept waiting for it to happen … a season of maturation that would nip said tendencies in the bud.Soon, you’ll turn eighteen, and albeit your accidents mask differently these days, you’ve still got a knack for knocking things over, tripping on rugs, and leaving a trail of milk and cereal while on the way to the couch. We used to tease you that you would be taking your sippy cup with you to the prom.
Tonight, you proved me wrong. I looked for it. I didn’t see it. Instead I saw something different. I saw a young man on his first date, struggling to “get it right,” all the while making his mother proud. There were a few tenuous moments while working the Velcro to attach the corsage, but in the end, you … my boy … gave me a lovely remembrance.
We’ve come a long way son; together we’ve struggled in our maturing, but always have we loved. And I love the man that you are becoming.
Thank you for letting me mother you for a season longer. Soon you will walk across that stage and then, walk on … on to a next that walks, in part, without me. I know you’re ready. I’m not quite there. But just in case I forget to say it in the flurry of the next few weeks…
It’s been my privilege to call you son and to watch you grow beyond your need for sippy cups. You stand at the edge of an extraordinary “next.” Your God has made sure of that, and I will continue to applaud each milestone with all the proud and joy that this mother’s heart can hold.
I love you, Colton. Tonight, you made my heart smile. Deeply. Richly. Far beyond what I ever imagined possible all those years ago. Thanks for allowing me to love you imperfectly. Thank you for forgiving me accordingly.Your best days are ahead of you; walk them … live them … like you mean it, and may you always know in Jesus Christ,
Elaine, this is magnificent! From this mother’s heart to yours, I wish you and Colton many joyful milestones to come.
Absolutely beautifully said Elaine. I know you are so proud of him. You have a beautiful family who loves the Lord. May each day bring each of you more joy than your heart can possibly hold. Thanks for being the role model you are to so many.
Love you my friend!
Precious words from mother to son – there’s nothing more special when both are walking in the light of God’s TRUTH! This is just the beginning of a greater relationship between the two of you. Take that from the mother of a 30-year old son [my baby boy]- who now has two son’s of his own.
You’re both standing on the treshold of the abundant life !
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
[Kneeling in Prayer]
Like Gail, from one mother to another, I bless you with many more sacred defining moments…beautiful, Elaine…
Love, Sita
So precious! You’re touching mother heart’s everywhere.
Colton and his date are adorable. Thanks for sharing this memory.
I’ll be calling you in another year when I face prom night.
Hugs,
Joy
I know now what your comment on my blog meant!
I truly do understand what your heart is feeling. You and I have faced similar emotions with our oldest boys. Next week, Bo will be the one going to the prom, struggling with the wrist corsage, standing tall (and freshly scrubbed) in his tux.
What a wonderful tribute you have written to honor Colton! He’s a handsome young man. He looks like a real sweetheart.
I like what TRUTH SHARER said…she’s brought me some encouragement, too. And Joy is right…you’ve touched my heart. :o)
Blessings to you AND Colton…
Love,
Beth
What a precious post Elaine. Your son is a nice looking young man… and your words show me that he is even better looking on the inside. Thanks so much for allowing us in on this memory with you…
Blessings,
Lynn
-sniff- -sniff-
How can any mother read this without a lump in her throat?
A beautiful piece …
Ahhh…so incredibly sweet and what a gentleman-you can tell!!
You should be proud!
In his Graces~Pamela
Elaine, you're a godly mother, and the fruit of your labor shows through your family. Your son looks like such a wonderful Christian young man.
Time slips away from us, doesn't it? The pictures are beautiful, and they brought back memories of my own sons, who are now 28 & 29.
Enjoy this time with your family. It's a wonderful season of life for all of you.
Blessings,
Andrea
My heartstrings are tugged by your transparency. These love yet let go moments are the stepping stones of life, aren’t they?
While your your paths will no longer be one – they will always be parallel – a mother and her son. Walk on Colton and Elaine in love and grace. A life-journey awaits you both. The map has been prepared. The compass has been given. Journey on my friends.
Shalom,
Denise
What a precious post!! One day, when he is much older, he will treasure this so much. Make sure he has a copy of it somewhere that he can hang on to.
God bless you and your sweet family.
Leah
Beautiful thoughts for precious young man. Thank you for sharing them with us, too. No doubt you are savoring all these sweet moments even more than usual these days. Your reflections touched my heart. What a special time of life for both of you. = )
Love & blessings,
Tracy
What a handsome young man! I know you are so proud of him. Don’t those special moments just bring tears to your eyes? You’re excited and yet wanting to not let go at the same time! Katie had her prom last weekend. Time does fly!
This is a high moment in your lives; the relationship between a mother and her child is exquisite. Hold it to your hearts!
Love,
R&B
Boo hoo! Time passes with such sweet moments, doesn’t it? I wish I had held on tighter but we can’t.
Oh my … a mother's heart layed bare. What a gift to peak into it, and to KNOW of what you speak.
I couldn't help but wonder if the Father might speak such love into our lives with each of our own passing years & milestones. I'm thinking YES!
What a beautiful tribute to your beloved son.
Hugs,
Kathleen
What a beautiful tribute, Elaine, and what Godly seeds you’ve woven into this man. I still have a decade until I go through this with my oldest, but I still resonated with your feelings, my friend.
You should have a note at the beginning of your post warning of gushing tears soon to come from readers eyes!! This was great. He has/is/will do you proud! He’s a handsome young man and I know you and Billy are SO glad to call him son! I have two sons myself that I am extremely proud of and can identify with what you are saying.
Thanks for sharing pictures of one of your most prized possessions with us!
Marilyn
I know what it’s like to watch little girls grow into beautiful young women, but I’ve never known the joy of watching a son grow into a handsome and fine young man. Thanks for giving me a peek into that joy, Elaine. You are blessed — and so is he!
Oh my word, girl. I am babbling like a baby. This one hit Wayyyyy too close to home. Much too much so. May be calling you in a few years. He is so handsome, and I’m glad you shared this glimpse and reflection.
OH, SO SWEET!
Precious, precious encouragement to my own heart this evening Elaine as I was just reflecting about our oldest teen considering colleges. The yesterdays of childhood have beautifully blossomed into young adults.
This mother wholeheartedly echos your last paragraph.
Hey sister…you have been awarded…check out my last post…
That was sweet!
What a great memory that will be kept forever safe here in blogdom and in your heart.
Don’t know if you do awards.. but if so there is one on my blog for you.
Just passing the love around.:)
Beautifully said and what a handsome couple they make. I pray God’s continued favor over your sons life.
Bless you dear one.
Oh so sweet! My heart is smiling too.
Isn’t it precious to have sons that love the Lord? I have enjoyed raising my own boy…and am excited for him as he enters this next phase of his life.
Time sure flies, huh?
Oh, how my heart beats deeply at reading these words… True words. It is a privilege, isn’t it? God entrusts us to raise these precious children… and they steal our heart.
Tears! That’s all I can say!!! I remember him when he was so small and cute!!! Now, tall and handsome!!!
I will be praying for you as you go through the next few weeks as Colton moves on to bigger things!
Lovely and hopeful! (He is a handsome creature, too!)