My Precious Son

Today is my son’s 22nd birthday, and in his honor, I thought I’d write something about him.

When it comes to the youth of America today, I can’t say I’m a big fan. Empathy, manners, and just plain common sense seem to be lacking in most of the young adults I run into anymore. Oh, yes. There are exceptions, but I’m talking about the majority of that generation…I sound so old when I say that, but I run into situations on an almost daily basis that would have earned me a good rap on the head by my own mom if I had even remotely acted in public the way I see some of these people do. But, after whatever exchange happens that leaves my brain hurting from the amazing lack of manners, I have to chuckle because somehow Chef and I were able to raise kids that we could unleash on the world without shame. And hands down, I may possibly have the kindest, most resilient, toughest son on the earth.

I say all the time that satan hates me a lot, but I can safely say, he hates my son just as much. From the day he was born, satan has tried to take his life. Born just under two months premature, both of his little lungs collapsed on the way to a larger hospital. He suffered from colic for months, and then as a toddler, he seemed to be suffering from ADHD which would cause him to be too energetic, and once, when he was two years old, he was able to unlock the back door, and almost got hit by our neighbor’s car returning home from work in the wee hours of the morning…My heart still skips a beat about that one. Dj, being a regular little boy, has spent way more time in the emergency room growing up than either of his sisters. He has jumped off of bunk beds, roofs, skateboards, and bicycles. When he decided to ride motorcycles, my life almost ended… 😦  But the worst thing was when he was 12 years old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.

Now, I know this sounds odd, but I don’t think I’m geared up like everyone else in the whole world when it comes to having a child with a chronic disease, so when I was informed of just how serious, and permanent, this disease was, my entire being rebelled. I was very distressed, obviously, feeling that if he had to depend on me, he’d probably die. I’m really good with the normal aspects of motherhood, but add in special diets and NEEDLES…I was sure I was going to suck. But after the initial shock wore off, and an actual peace from the Lord came over me, I was able to somewhat accept that we could get through this. Sure enough, it turns out that God did give me the strength and determination I needed to raise this little guy with this disease. Being a severe case, Dj suffers a lot of health problems on a daily basis even to this day, but he handles all of this with grace and patience. He makes me really proud to be his mother.

The thing I love the most about my son is that he loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and mind, and he is easily my most mature Christian child. Sometimes I think that because satan has worked so hard to destroy Dj and his testimony, it has only driven him further and further into the arms of Jesus, and now he is a powerful weapon in God’s arsenal. Dj is kind, patient, gentle, humble, and has a unique love for his fellow mankind, plus he rides a motorcycle like he’s saddled the wind… What more could a mother or father desire?

So, Dj, happy birthday!! Dad and I are so proud of you, and love you with all of our hearts!

Love,

Mom