I love being a mom. I have two sons who are now grown young men. They are very different and yet very similar. Each one has taken his own path and both seem happy with their choices. This is the ultimate hope that a mom has for her children. I am incredibly blessed to get to see them grow and develop as adults. But I do wonder what is the role of a mother to adult sons? Of course, it is to continually love them and show them affection without smothering them. I think it is also to guide them and offer advice and to reaffirm their abilities to make their own decisions and use their good judgment. In essence, you must give them room to make mistakes and allow them to correct them even when they struggle to do so. This is much easier to say than to do. It is a parent’s tendency to rush in and solve their kids’ problems to make their lives all better. It actually takes strength to not interfere, but it is a gift we give to them to let them learn from their failures and mature in the process.
What I have especially appreciated with having grown children is the respect they have given to my husband and me. They have truly shown us what it means to honor thy mother and father. They do this in the way in which they speak to us, but as importantly in how they act towards us. Both of our sons go out of their way to spend time with us and help us in any way they can. They check in with us frequently and let us know that they are always there if we need them.
This year, I underwent brain surgery, specifically Deep Brain Stimulation, for my Parkinson’s. It resulted in the reduction of many of the debilitating symptoms of the disease. The journey over the past several months was met with enormous support from my wonderful husband and our loving kids. A number of times, I thought of the “what ifs” while I was undergoing the various steps involved with the DBS procedure. However, one of the comforting thoughts I always came back to was the sense of contentment and peace that I have for how our “boys” have turned out. I am a proud mom of our sons who hopes to have many years continuing to be part of their lives. How blessed I am!
