You would kick every time someone would touch her belly. For the few months leading up to your birth, I would hear stories of how you would kick for this person and kick for that person. I just knew when I got to see your mom and I touched her belly, surely you would kick for me. First time I laid hands on her belly I got nothing. It seemed like every time I came around you were sleeping or uninterested in putting on show. In my 21 year old mind, this relationship was getting off to a bad start. What kind of Godmother could I be if my Godson wouldn’t even kick for me?
I could go on for hours about the day you were born, 10 years ago. How bright the sun was shining, a sign from up above I believe. How much of a rush you were in to escape the comforts of your mother’s womb and how I held her hand through her labor of love to bring you safely into this world. I’ve told you these stories a few times over the last 10 years so I hope not to bore you too much. The moment you entered the world, there were no words, just tears. You were quiet and peaceful among the chaos, so cool, so relaxed. You had gone from an abstract thought to an actual person, lying in the warmer, sucking on your little fingers, looking up with those big brown eyes, seeking our guidance. The room was filled with love, joy, relief and responsibility. None of us in that room had any idea what to do next. You were among us and depending on all of us and we had to do our parts.
For the last 10 years I have been honored to be your Godmother. Honestly, I had no idea what that really meant when I accepted the role. When we met, I was walking around with a hole in my heart. I was having trouble believing that life actually could continue and be full of happiness and love because of all I had loss in the 2 years before your arrival. I didn't know it at the time, but the moment you were born, you saved me. You taught me about love, patience and strength. I thank your mother for choosing me for this role. I never asked her why she picked me, but I am extremely grateful that she did.
I know you find this hard to believe, but I knew your mother long before she knew you. Before she was your mom, she was my best friend. We did everything together, spending our youth running the streets, traveling, having fun and being carefree. Even then, your mom was always kind, loving and protective over the ones she loved. I had no reason to think she would be any different as a Mother. Every day for the last 10 years, I have been in awe of her in that role. It’s not easy raising a child, especially one as dynamic as yourself. But her desire to understand you and your needs is remarkable. Her love for you is indescribable and her dedication to you exceeds that of anything else here on earth. You have a phenomenal mother, cherish her, always.
There is so much in life I want for you. Much of it has to do with how loved I want you to feel every single day. How safe I want you to be in a world full of chaos. How brightly I want you to shine in a world full of darkness. My dream for you has everything to do with your happiness. It has everything to do with you being a respectful, honorable, honest and caring citizen of the world. I want you to be a man who is kind, loving and exceptional. I want you to be an example for the son I hope to have one day. For my role in your life, I take on the responsibility of helping you get there, understanding that we both may stumble along the way and knowing you have me there with an outstretched hand to help you get back up after you fall. You are tender, sweet and adorable. You are bright, driven and confident. Success will come with a combination of your natural talents and your willingness to work hard. Be willing to work hard. You are funny, witty and curious. Continue to ask questions and demand answers from those around you. Hold all of the adults in your life, including me, accountable for our actions and the example we set for you. Challenge us to do and be everything you need and expect from us. Continue to be the extraordinary boy we all know and love. As you enter these double digits and take the steps towards becoming a young man, always be reminded in your heart just how much I love you, today and forever.
One day you will understand just how much you mean to me. One day you will be able to comprehend just how awesome you have been from the very first day you were born. And even when your mouth speaks words far beyond your years and your actions fall slightly outside the realm of reason and rationale, I can’t help but to love just who you are. To know that you and I have “a special bond” (as you put it), makes my heart melt. Looking back, it appears the kicking wasn’t so important after all. My precious Godson, the bond we share is unbreakable, so know always you will have me there for you and with you whenever you may need me. Happy 10th Birthday! Welcome to the double digits!
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