A Lasting Bond…

Thirty-eight years ago, a very good family friend, who was still in high school, was pregnant. She chose to keep the baby and as a show of her support for this young woman, my Mom offered to baby-sit for her while she finished school. 

Needless to say, this little baby became a part of our family…even though he had a loving mother, and a whole group of doting family members. We taught him tricks, we gave him Oreos for breakfast, and we made him laugh, changed his diaper and did everything we could to claim our part of his little life.

After high school, this young woman, got a job, and with the help of many, she was able to become a stellar single momma. We were always included in this baby’s special occasions…birthdays, school events, and eventually, graduation and marriage. He has become a responsible young man, much to the tribute of his mom and the great family that surrounded him.

As my Mom has gotten older and he has moved away, he always makes a point of visiting, calling, and sending gifts for her special occasions. He never comes to Louisville without seeing her. For her 85^th birthday, he called her. Quite honestly, he has been a shining star in Mom’s life.

Today, at noon, we had lunch with him, his wife, his grandparents, and his mom, a successful career oriented woman. It’s not always easy to get out and about, but Mom would not have missed this lunch. He sat next to her, without prodding, and he had his arm around her the entire time…until the food came.

There is a special bond between these two…I’d say it’s almost enviable. I watched my Mom when she was engaging with this young man and she was aglow. Both of them love each other and without words, they know they have a bond that not many can share.

It is heartwarming to see this kind of love and if I could wish something for all of you, it would be to have someone that is so grateful to you that the gratitude turns into love! Mom was only responsible for him for a short time of his 38 years, but in that time, a seed was sewn and although he may not remember those early months/year of his life, it is in him and is part of who he is today.

So…as this rainy afternoon takes over, and tempts me with a nap, I’ll be smiling and thinking about how blessed all of us are to have had this little guy in our lives.

 

*Not posting pictures or names because I did not ask…but trust me, we got some great pictures!!!