Favorite First Son Turns 27

Today is Patrick’s 27th birthday. I think back on our lives together. I say all the time we raised each other.

Patrick taught me the meaning of patience, kindness, love, acceptance and generosity of spirit.

Every time I see my son he gives me the biggest hug. I sway in his arms as I grab him and hold him close. I’m so happy to see him each week that I almost wag an invisible tail. He holds me tight and I hold him tight. For that moment we are a mom and her little boy.

I didn’t always know how to love Patrick. He was a tough and terrible kid before the age of 5. We fought each other at every turn. But maybe it was just me fighting him. Regardless, we made it through.

The bond I have with my son is an amazing thing. I don’t know how someone can’t be close to their kids. Patrick tells me all the time that I’m his best friend.

For five years, it was just Patrick and me. He helped me grow up. I am eternally grateful to him.

He is a strong, vibrant, loving young man. I am so proud to be his mother. I’m glad I have a son with strong convictions. He is a good man.

As I have said before, I don’t know that I deserve all or any of the credit. Many people had a hand in raising Patrick. Not all of the good, but he made it through.

Goals as a parent are to see your children become independent and happy people. I don’t know if it’s all the weed he smokes but he is a happy person. As with anyone, he gets down sometimes. Overall, he has a good life and I like to think that we made that happen together.

I hope my guidance as a mother was good enough. I hope I did him justice as a mom. I don’t know that I always did. But I learned.

I wish my favorite first son the happiest of birthdays as he celebrates far from me today in a different state. He is living the life of a twenty something. Carefree and young.

I love him so much.

Happy birthday Pattycakes.