Mindfully Mothering

Sweet boy is having his oh-so sweet sixteenth birthday today!

Last night as the fireworks were cracking, I remembered a long night sixteen years ago as I battled through a painful and challenging labor over the entire day and night of a blazing hot July 4 in Austin, TX. At eight minutes after the stroke of midnight, Sweet boy was born by Cesarean section with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and shoulders like a harness. I didn’t see him right away as he was rushed off to get some help with his breathing.

The first moment I remember seeing his tiny scrunched face and head of dark hair was as a wrapped bundle in the recovery room. He was furiously sucking a wrinkly fist and looking at me with big surprised eyes.

“Where am I? What just happened? Give me a nipple silly.”

It is a funny feeling to have a child who you ached for, worried over, loved so much it is almost painful, reach the near adult age of 16. I remember my own angsty 16th year like it was yesterday. Truly, moments ago. Will his life go by so fast? Will he turn a corner and find himself 37 years old and still figuring out what this curious reality is all about?

If I could wish anything for Sweet boy it would be that he stays true to himself and follows his heart. I know that tender, wise heart. It will not lead him astray.