Six years ago today, I saw the wrinkled little face of my boy, Joshua Littletree, for the first time.
I had never seen anything so beautiful.
Our bond was formed, that has lasted over sleepless nights and sunny days, and more diaper changes than I can count, and falls and scrapes and hot chocolate and lemonade, and fresh paper and crayons. It has endured public tantrums, and thrashing in car seats, and thrown mud, and soft, gentle hugs.
It has included wrestling and laughter and baking pumpkin pies and screaming at the top of both of our lungs.
It has included gut-wrenching agony and tears when watching him realize he was not the only baby in his Mama’s life.
And the slow joy that built when he realized what fun it was to be a big brother.
Joshua, you have taught me:
- Why it is important to stop and look at bugs on the sidewalk, even when you are late to school.
- Work is never, ever more important than giving full attention to those you love.
- Art takes time.
- Sometimes, it is important to have ice cream for breakfast.
- I, too, am an engineer. Legos have directions, and 1000 piece monstrosities are assembled two pieces at a time.
- The world is a fascinating place. Mummies and pyramids and penguins and science experiments are vastly more interesting than cartoons.
- Animals talk.
- It is ok to miss someone dearly. They come back.
- Anglos are always rushing.*
- You can fight like cats and dogs with your friends, but that doesn’t mean you won’t long to play with them tomorrow.
- Mothers are nurses and therapists and coaches and cheerleaders and disciplinarians. But mostly, we are warriors. No force, person, idea, natural disaster, emotion or circumstance will ever quiet the fierce protection I have for you in my heart. Beside you, I can accomplish anything. In front of you, I can overcome any obstacle.
I have loved you every minute of your life, even when you have pushed me to my emotional and physical limits.
Thank you for being my wise teacher. I can already see the kind man you will become.
And like you always tell me about the story of your creation, thank you for looking down from that star and choosing me and your Dad as parents.
Happy birthday my sweet boy! I love you.
—
* for those of you who missed the original context for “Anglos are always rushing,” this is something Josh said to me one morning as I was trying to get him out the door to school. I thought it was hysterical. And, as some of my Anglo family has told me, not ALL of us rush, just some of us. 😉 Here is the post where I talked about it.
[…] from Escape From Cubicle Nation posted this week in honour of her son’s 6th birthday, and the result is beautiful. I am adding it to my “HELP!” folder so that I remember […]
One of the most beautiful posts I have read in a while. Thank you for sharing this, Pam. Happy Birthday to Josh and love to you both! xoxo
How sweet, when he grows up and becomes big, he will read this and I am sure he will cry with joy.
A very wonderful list. I loved the full list :). Have a great B’day Josh, and my kudos to Pam for acknowledging it so well 🙂
Well. This was beautiful.
Happy Birthday, Josh!
I can’t believe he’s six already. Wow.
“There is no guardian like a mother.”
And as my family will attest, not all anglos are rushy… I move at the speed of a hibernating bear. I should have a bumper sticker that says, “I break for yellow lights” I have two walking speeds, meander and waddle… Slow and steady wins the race. 🙂
Hugs, M
Thanks a LOT! I’m sitting in a restaurant, reading this, and now I’ve got to cover up the fact that my eyes are leaking water.
Very sweet tribute Pam. I know exactly what you mean–two of mine live not far from you.
And happy birthday to Josh.
I’m a 22 (to be 23 tomorrow) guy whos normally not emotionally, but this was truly beautiful.
This is a great post Pam. I really admire of your never give up attitude despite managing your own business and taking care of your kids. Happy birthday to Josh, am sure he will grow to be the kind of man he wanted. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the knowledge of your little wise boy : )
Pam
What a lovely sentiment. Happy Birthday to Josh. I hope he realizes how lucky he is to have you in his corner, always!
Happy Birthday, Josh!! ps – Pam, I have met many, many people in my life all across this planet, and I have yet to meet anyone who has a bigger heart than you. 🙂
Oh how gorgeous! Happy Birthday Josh. Congratulations Pam on your beautiful growing boy. I can so relate. My kids are my best teachers and the greatest gift in my life. They inspire me (even in the challenging moments). Thanks for sharing! Kindest, Helen
Makes me wish I had that list 10 years ago while raising our now 18 and 16 year old boys…sigh. Happy Birthday, Josh! Sure hope to have the honor of meeting you someday.
Thanks for a beautiful read!
This made me smile and cry at the same time.
Perfection!
Congratulation, Pam. Happy birthday, Josh!
Beside you, I can accomplish anything. In front of you, I can overcome any obstacle.*tears falling down my face* Happy birthday Sage Protector Witness Artisan Josh. Ericka . Also, um, Rosies shoes, seriously, if only i could fit them. 🙂
Love this! Lots of good wishes to the birthday boy. 🙂 (Love the photo of you two together, too. Grrr! Mama and boy power!)
Beautiful! Happy birthday, Joshua!
Happy Birthday Josh!
Happy Birthday, Josh!!! Your mother is one of your greatest gifts. 😉
Okay, this was beautiful. LOVE this. Thank you for the brilliance and the simple wisdom. If only we cherished life, ideas, and pauses from work as dearly as 6 year olds. We have a lot to learn from them (and a lot to un-learn as adults!).
What a beautiful post Pam! I agree that the majority of what I have learned in this life that is of most value, I learned from my wise and compassionate boy! Happy Birthday Josh!
Happy Birthday Josh! Beautiful post Pam, just beautiful 🙂 I want to hug them both! And you! What a wonderful mom you are and what gorgeous babies they are. xo Tia
Happy birthday Joshua Littletree and blessings to his warrior Mom who know his roots run deep.
Adore what you’ve written, Pam. And the photos, awwww.
But especially I think what it would be like if every child was seen, loved and publicly admired as you have done.
I love this whole list, and I especially love how you honor his opinions and understandings!
And also, of course, I love how he showed you that animals talk. As an animal talker, I can help a child uncover their animal talking skills in about 15 minutes. An adult takes 12-15 hours. I think it might be that way about everything.
Happy birthday Josh, and happy acknowledgement day Pam!
Best-
B
“Anglos are always rushing” 🙂 🙂 🙂
What a beatiful post!
I meant beautiful… 🙂
Happy Birthday Josh and Happy Birth Day Pam! What a gift you have given each other.
xo, Cheryl