10 years ago today .....

I was holding my precious newborn baby boy. It is so hard to believe that Jack is ten today. My heart swells with love for him more than ever before. He is so very special to me and is one of the best things in my life. When I think of how much he has changed me I have to thank God for the miracle of Jack's life. A (very) free-spirited but ambitious freshman in college, I certainly never expected to get pregnant at 18. I still remember very vividly the moment I found out. I was scared terrified. I took 2 tests to be absolutely sure and just remember the room spinning and a million thoughts running through my mind. I was in a relationship, but not married, was living in a college dorm, was a full-time student, didn't have a job and was an hour and half away from my family. But, underneath that flurry of emotions, there was a stronger current of peace, joy and excitement. I always knew that I wanted to be a mother and instantly I felt a love for this baby that I had never before experienced. I won't say that becoming a mom at such a young age has been easy, especially with all of the heartache we went through when John (Jack's dad) and I divorced 3 years later and I found myself a very young single mom. I know I missed out on a lot of things - experiences, opportunities ..... but I truly believe that God had (has) a very important purpose for Jack's life and that He protected us through all of our hard times and blessed us with tremendous love. I am so thankful that He chose me to be Jack's mother. I have always felt that this was my highest calling in life and NEVER regretted or even second guessed my decision to keep my child. My life is so blessed, so rich, so happy and fun because he is in it. I cannot imagine a day, let alone 10 years or a lifetime without my precious son. I am also thankful for the many wonderful people in Jack's life - Chris, for loving him as his own son, John, for giving me (one of) the most precious gifts *can't forget about my other sweet and precious boy!*, my parents for being SO supportive, encouraging and loving. For never judging me and loving Jack more than your own kids. Only kidding. Sort of :-) The world is a brighter place with Jack in it. Happy Birthday sweet boy, I love you more than words can ever say! XOXO, Mom.

*before watching the slideshow, scroll down to the bottom of the page and hit pause on my playlist, there is music on the slideshow and it will make you go crazy if you try to listen to both of them at the same time :-)