The "Other Man in my Life"

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." ~Elizabeth Stone

It is hard to believe that it was a year ago that Max came into our lives. His beginning was difficult and scary for those around him, but his little life has blessed ours in so many ways. He is the "other man in my life" and I am so thankful and humbled to be his mother. He is the sweetest little boy and always brings me and those around him so much joy. His early birth made me realize how precious life is and that we should cherish each moment we have with those that we love. We have no idea what the future holds, we may not be able to say "I'm sorry" or "I love you." We need to live each day as though it were our last. I was listening to the radio the other day and they were talking about what dying people think about. Not one of them said, "he made me mad," or "look how much money I have," or "I am such a powerful person." Each person they talked to said that what they thought about was their family, their loved ones, and those close to them. They wanted to surround themselves with the people that they love. It made me realize that life isn't about our possessions or our position, it is about surrounding ourselves with the people that we love and who love us. I love you Max, with all my heart and I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father that you are healthy and happy. Everyday I pray for courage, patience, strength and love so I can be the mother you deserve.

If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging.
~Diane Loomans, from "If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again"