I am blessed to have two fine sons. I have written about my younger Brent in the blog, "Uncle Brent's Girls.” This one is about Michael, just 25 months older. I think with a first-born, the memories of the early days are in vivid color---the first word, the first steps, the first need for a band aid on a skinned knee, the first Christmas, the first birthday, the first soccer team... I even had the energy to keep a journal of poems about Michael's first year. Having grown up with one sister, learning about little boys was a new and fun adventure.

 

Michael was a conscientious student who loved to read, a passion continuing into his adult life. He was a team player and a loyal friend, a  trait also characteristic today. I wrote about his best friend, Holt’s Scott, in an earlier blog. Mothers watch closely over their children as they move through childhood into adolescence and toward independence. Mothering boys, I believe, carries an added level of concern. Will they be safe, make healthy decisions, resist temptations, maintain integrity and sense of self in the face of peer pressure? Will they navigate college life and find successful employment, the kind that will support a wife and family? What manner of husband and father will they be?

 

Each Father’s Day, I take delight in picking out Michael’s card because the words within are so descriptive of him. The young child you remember has grown into a young man who is a caring and remarkable father. I am continually amazed at the quality time Michael spends with his girls. Weekend trips to hike and explore, soccer games and mud races, pumpkin and tree outings, backyard games, family cook-offs—the list goes on and on. When my daughter-in-law, Dodi, shared photos from their most recent hiking venture, I quickly decided to paint this surprise for a Father’s Day gift. I am so proud of Michael as a son and I am in awe of him as a father to Piper and Quinn and husband.

 

How is your heart? Mine is joyous.