Happy Birthday to my Son

Today, 15 years ago, at 6:32am, God allowed me to be a mom. He gave me a 9lb 6oz 21 1/2 inch long baby boy.

At that time, I didn’t feel like it was a blessing at all. One reason was because I didn’t want children, but in a marriage you compromise and you just what you have to do to make things work.

So the journey began.

After what seemed like forever, my son was here, and I was amazed. I kept telling my husband at that time, don’t leave him, don’t let him leave your sight. Stay with him.

If anyone has ever had a c-section, you know they show you your baby and then take the baby for weight, measurements and then to the nursery so the doctor can continue the surgery.

So once I woke up, I remember seeing my mom and she asked me if I was ok and she reminded me, “you have a responsibility now” Geez, was she right.

At the time I was 22 and married for a couple years.

Well life happens, things become more expensive, and it becomes hard. Immaturity can really kill a relationship. That’s exactly what happened.

DIVORCED.

So now my son has to deal with separated parents, 2 homes and other things that come with having divorced parents. I think at one point I even thought I have failed him some how.

I can not tell you how proud I am of my son Andre.

He is such a strong kid, well now, young man. He continues to impress me with his outlook on life and how he sees life as more of a challenge that he can defeat.

He tries so hard to be the person he wants to be and doesn’t allow what others say about him to hold him back.

Now if you knew the kind of mom I have turned out to be, you would see why. I didn’t always see things like this, but THANK YOU GOD Andre does.

Earlier I said that I did not want any children. God had other plans for me. I look at Andre and continue to thank God for blessing me with such a great gift. How dare I think I have better plans than God?

As I have watched Andre grow these last 15 years, I can tell two things about him just by looking at him:

1. He looks just like his dad. Unfortunately I did not have the stronger gene in the relationship.
2. His smile will make you smile. That’s my baby.

This young man has taught me so much about myself and how to be a better mom. I tell my mom how in the world did she do it with four children, this one is a handful. LOL!

I know I was truly blessed when God allowed me to take care of Andre. He was an easy baby, and continues to be an easy going young man. I think I am the one that makes it harder. I try not to worry about him, however that’s what moms do. He takes life one day at a time and he is so funny. Ask my sisters.

When I look at him, I know God really did bless me with him. If I could just control that teenage mouth. LOL!

To watch this baby boy grow into a very smart, strong minded young man is proof that God makes no mistakes, and has great intentions for every situation.

I know he will have difficulties a head of him, but I also know he has the determination to get through anything life throws at him. He continues to keep God first and he has developed an attitude of I can instead of I can’t.

Andre Rivera, I love you so much son! Happy Birthday! Always believe in yourself. Trust you instincts and keep asking God for guidance.