Visit #5 was today with son #1, Chris. He definitely had a large impact on my life in that when he arrived on the scene, I became a mom. Being a mom is one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs I have ever had. When Chris was born, he had sleep apnea and a dislocated hip. He came home on a heart monitor and a Pavlik harness. Since I was a first time mom, I knew no different and we went about life visiting Scottish Rite and listening for the monitor to go off. You tend to deal with the hand you are given. Since that time, he has had his tonsils out which resulted in the "worst day of his life", a broken arm, 5 surgeries on the cyst in his arm, a gash to the head, braces... He has also provided us with many joys along the way. Chris remembers in infinite details many of life's journeys. This can be good and bad!! Chris is one of the most kind, caring and sensitive people I know. He cares so much about others, how they feel and wants to make sure no one feels left out. He has decided to pursue a career in Psychology so he can help troubled youth. This career path is perfect for him!
I wanted to visit with Chris this month because graduation is upon us and he will be leaving the nest soon. I am excited for his journey into the world and can't wait to see what he accomplishes. We had a nice visit over breakfast at Spoons in downtown McKinney. After breakfast he asked me if this was where I was supposed to ask him how I messed up his life by the way I had raised him. I replied that he could share with me anything he thought I needed to hear. His only complaint in his upbringing was that Alan and I sheltered he and Andrew from "stuff" so much that he didn't know how to talk to his middle school classmates. They were all interested in things that he hadn't been exposed to. I am good with that - if that is the only thing he thinks I really messed up, I can live with that.
I feel like Chris and I have a great relationship and have talked about many things throughout the years. He seems to feel pretty comfortable discussing his thoughts, feelings, dreams and hopes with me and for that I am grateful! He is too much like me and will suffer many of the same woes I do however. You want your kids to only take the good stuff from you and hope they skip over the things of which you are not so proud. They see it all though and become what they see and know. Chris is a wonderful person and I know he will make a huge impact on many people throughout his life. I am very proud to be his mom!
