love, witnessed

The four of us went to visit our first-born tonight for his 22nd birthday.  I baked dark chocolate brownies and packed up a gift bag with shower gel, a heavy-duty flashlight, and a small pre-paid VISA card.  How do you buy an appropriate gift for the grown up baby boy who taught you about sacrifice and unconditional love?  That's a tough one. 

Heart-warming stuff to see my sweet new daughter-in-law tending to my son.  The stairwell was decorated with candies, streamers, and "I love you".  And inside we found them eating a nice dinner she had prepared.  Love in action.  This is the kind of stuff that convinces a mom that everything is right in her all-of-a-sudden-everyone-is-grown-up family. 

18 comments

LisAway | October 14, 2010 at 1:54 AM

I feel warm and fuzzy after reading this post. Thanks for sharing it! (the experience and it's fuzziness)

Ca88andra | October 14, 2010 at 4:52 AM

I can so relate to this post. My eldest, also 22, has found himself a wonderful girlfriend and I feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I see them together.

Kim | October 14, 2010 at 5:04 AM

Good Job Mom! There is no way to repay our children for the trial that have taught us unconditional love and sacrifice.

But I've decided that the best part of life is watching them grow up and then make the best and most correct choices in their own lives.

gigi | October 14, 2010 at 5:24 AM

Awe... I understand those feelings.

Momza | October 14, 2010 at 6:26 AM

I love my daughter in law.
And my son in law.
I am so grateful that my children chose fine companions to build their forevers.
Looks like you're feeling the same.
Isn't that the best?

mermaid gallery | October 14, 2010 at 8:45 AM

You are more than lucky...deserving...and engaged.....also a woman really brings out the man in a 22 year old....

Anonymous | October 14, 2010 at 1:49 PM

I'm with Lis. What a great feeling in this post. So much love. So much gratitude. Thank you.

Valerie | October 14, 2010 at 2:30 PM

I agree! Isn't it wonderful to see them creating a life together?

Connie | October 14, 2010 at 4:47 PM

Yes! That's what love is all about. Happy Birthday to #1.

The Way I See It | October 14, 2010 at 4:49 PM

That's the kind of warm-fuzzy you will feel often at this stage of the game. I love to experience that myself. It gives us a great sense of peace, contentment and joy.

Melanie Jacobson | October 14, 2010 at 5:12 PM

Aw, shucks. This made me happy.

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | October 14, 2010 at 9:51 PM

You are sure right about that first born child. They do teach you many things you were expecting.

Sounds like you did a wonderful job.

amber_mtmc | October 15, 2010 at 9:02 AM

Well, considering I am that wife, I find it intriguing to read these thoughts and hope that my mil's feel the same way about me.

wendy | October 15, 2010 at 6:47 PM

ABSOLUTELY
as a mom, I am so happy and 'at peace' when I know my children and their spouses have a loving fun relationship
so important
and rewarding
and comforting
cause that's what we mom's hope for

wendy | October 15, 2010 at 6:48 PM

Oh and one more thing
on a blog I visit called Sara's Sweet Surprises
she calls her daughter in law
her
DAUGHTER IN LOVE

how cute is that!!!!

CiCi | October 16, 2010 at 7:21 AM

Nice visit with your son and daughter-in-law. Hope your son's birthday was wonderful for him.

Lara Neves | October 16, 2010 at 9:01 PM

I love this. I can't yet imagine my children growing up and marrying someone, but this post made me look forward to it. (But not TOO soon!)

Jenny Lynn | October 24, 2010 at 8:54 PM

They grow up fast.....