Ten
This time ten years ago I was fighting for my life, and Declan’s. I know that is so dramatic sounding, but it really was… dramatic. After Bryan and I dropped the kid at school today, we looked at each other and said – well, right about now they were flying down the hall with you clutched to a stretcher, trying to figure out why you were bleeding so badly.
Turned out I had a placental abruption, and ended up giving birth later that day – on Friday the 13th, 2002.
So much has happened in ten years.
But mostly, it has been a joy, a privilege, to watch what started out as four pounds of fight for life turn into a thoughtful, calm, funny, sensitive child.
I enjoy Declan. Truly enjoy his company.
Not that I didn’t before – but it was different. That was more from a caretaker role.
Now I like hearing what he will say, and how he will make me laugh – how he surprises me all the time. Watching him show traits from both his father and me, but also become his own person.
When he was approaching his first birthday, I asked friends and family to write private letters to him, to be opened on his 18th birthday. I have seen similar stories around the blogosphere, and the emotion that wells up with these sorts of letters are read.
In our case, Declan’s grandfather and great-aunt have passed since these letters were packed away. I am thrilled that my kid will have these pieces of family when he is an adult, but as I look at my son, now, today – at ten years old – I am so sad Pop Pop and Aunt Kitty will not get a chance to know him.
Because he is damn awesome.
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Happy Birthday to my favorite Colorado Crush 🙂
Happy 10 year anniversary to you both! Happy Birthday Declan!
What a wonderful gift you’ll be giving your awesome kid on that birthday.
Happiest of Days dude!
What a great idea – the letters, I mean. i wish I would have done something like that for my kids.
Happy Birthday to your “damn awesome” boy!
Happy Birthday, Declan!!
Love this! Happy birthday Dex!
Happy birthday for yesterday.
Happy Birthday, Declan! And happy day to his parents!
Debbie A-H (Editdebs)
Happy birthday to Dex – and to you, sweet Mama. He’s a lucky boy.
Happy first decade, Dex!
Happy birthday, Declan!