Saturday, November 24, 2007

Happy Birthday Son

Today is my son’s 22nd birthday. He is a joy and delight to our lives. Tom and I couldn’t be more proud of the man that he has become. He is pursuing his dreams in CA. He is currently working on the show American Gladiators as a casting assistant. He’s gotten to meet the show’s host Hulk Hogan. The show will run for eight episodes in January. The best part is he’s having a blast.

I remember when I became pregnant with him. Our daughter was a little over a year old. We just wanted a healthy baby and didn’t matter if it was a girl or boy. We had names picked out for either. My father on the other hand kept saying this was going to be his grandson. He was very sure about that fact.

I loved being pregnant and feeling the baby kick and move. My son moved a lot. Tom was amazed at how fast the kicks would come. It is funny that 22 years later I can remember the day so vividly. I was scheduled to have a C-section. This made my dad nuts. He said the doctor wasn’t God and couldn’t tell his grandson when to be born. He was right. I went into labor the day before I was to have the C-section. I was already checked in to the hospital and just relaxing. When suddenly that feeling comes back and you remember what labor feels like. We called the nurse who called the doctor. Four hours later he came. He was at a fancy dinner (he was wearing a tuxedo) about two hours away. I remember seeing him for the first time and how grateful to God I was that he was fine. He had all his fingers and his toes.

I love my son and it was hard not having him here for Thanksgiving or his birthday. I missed making him his favorite dinner and baking him a cake. I missed giving him a hug. I called him, but it wasn’t the same. I so wanted to be there with him. This is how life is, we raise up our children and they sometimes move away. He’s working hard doing something he loves. He’s happy and because of that I’m happy. I wouldn’t want him to be anyplace else. I love him enough to let go.

He’s coming home for Christmas and I’m so excited about seeing him. Happy Birthday Son! Your dad and I love you.

© Nadine Z. 2007

26 comments:

Tammy said...

Oh my goodness, this tugged at my heartstings...and what a beautiful baby he was!
I can believe you remember everything so clearly...I still do with my girls, and through they're still quite young, each year that memory doesn't diminish one bit! I remember those linebacker kicks from our youngest, and we thought she would be a boy for sure! ;)

A very happy birthday to your son, Nadine!

EM said...

Nadine next time you talk to your son tell him happy birthday from me.

Delina said...

Happy birthday to your son. Hope you all have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Wow, my son turned 16 in September - and it seems like the years go faster and faster! LOL

BTW, thanks for stopping by and signing up for the holiday giveaway!

Blessings & Happy Holidays!

Jill said...

Happy Birthday to your son a day late. I am sure it was hard not being able to be there in body with him on his special day. I can only imagine how excited you are to see him at Christmas!

Amydeanne said...

awww i remember your post about him going to start his adventure as well... it's amazing how fast it all really goes isn't it.

Anonymous said...

awwww so sweet. I am sure your son missed being home too!

Lala's world said...

that was great! I totally remember each of my pregnancies with my girls and I hope that I never forget!
hope all is well, sorry I haven't by too often lately.... so much going on!
hugs!

Scarlet said...

You love him enough to let go. I love that! ;)

It's good you have his Christmas visit to look forward to...that's a gift. He seems busy and his life sounds so exciting!

I love that baby pic, btw. Adorable.

Keshi said...

Happy Birthday to ur son!

Ur son is blessed to hv a mum like u Nadine.


Keshi.

palmtreefanatic said...

awwww...Happy belated Birthday to him! I got a tear in my eye reading this! I think it is wonderful you have such a close bond!

Dawn said...

Sounds like you had a lovely Thanksgiving, too. And such good help! And great variety on the menu.

Your son was an adorable, dark-haired baby. Isn't it amazing how those memories of the day they wre born come flooding back and you can feel the way you felt that day? And mine are going to be 31 and 33 soon. So Tammy's right, it never goes away.

Art said...

Awwww.... Happy (belated) birthday to him.

Jen(n) said...

that was so precious!

Louise said...

What a beautiful post!!

It also made me realise that the moments I have at home with my kids right now won't last forever and soon they will be out and about doing the things they are called to do!!

Happy Birthday to your beautiful boy!!

Damselfly said...

Aw, happy birthday to your son! He looks kind of small for 22. (Har!) I loved hearing your birth story. What a joy.

KarenW said...

Happy birthday to your son! I know you are glad he's happy! It means so much. God bless.

Ann(ie) said...

awwww. Happy birthday to your son. He was one ADORABLE baby, love. xo.

a woman who is said...

yeah for Tommy! Sounds like he is getting hooked up in the biz. The very reason he went down there to give it a shot! I am so happy for him. Tell him congratulations for me, and Happy B Day!

Diane Viere said...

What a beautiful birthday tribute to a fine young man. And what a "man" he was--he was adorable!

It is hard to spend holidays without our grown children....thank God for the memories of days gone by and the bright future of all of their tomorrows!

Diane

Susan said...

Wonderful tribute to your fine son.
Susan

Anonymous said...

He is incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful mom! I hope your son had a fabulous birthday. How wonderful that you love him enough to allow him to pursue his dreams miles and miles away. Hoping for much success to him in all his endeavors!

Jane, Pinks & Blues

Anonymous said...

Nadine, that was such a beautiful post! It sounds like you and Tom have raised a fine young man.

Deb said...

Happy Birthday to your boy. Funny how we can remember so clearly when they were so tiny.

Emily Suess said...

A beautiful post. And what a head of hair on that kiddo! :)

Elle*Bee said...

That's funny about the c-section. We went through something similar (altho' not as serious) w/ Son #3. In our case, I went for a checkup on a Mon. morning and since I was showing no progress, the doctor said he wanted to induce labor that evening. He told me to report to the hospital at 7pm, the nurse would start a pitocin drip and he'd stop by in the early morning hours on Tuesday to deliver the baby.

Yeah, right. I arrived at the hospital at 7 pm, and the nurse peeked and said, "why are we inducing you?? You're 8 cm dilated - would you like an epidural now?" Son #3 was born 3 hours later. Meanwhile I had no idea I was in labor. Some babies just know better than doctors, I guess. :-)

Happy Birthday to yours.