Ohana
Being a parent isn’t easy. Where’s the manual…? It’s a hard and thankless task, but the most rewarding too. Then you decide to marry a man and take on his two children, who live with you both… and then you decide to add a few more, just for the love of it. Some days, I desperately wish I could reset, like Buzz Lightyear, and find Spanish mode, that looks like so much fun. Escapism!
Would I truly change a minute of it? Hell NO. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be worthy. It wouldn’t be a privilege or honour, because I wouldn’t fully understand the meaning, the good, the bad, and all that’s in between. Some days break you, others build you. With your own children, you grow together from the beginning; step-children are pre-evolved, but they offer something completely different. It’s a different type of heartache, and worry, with the sleepless nights. It’s a different challenge, slowly as the barriers come down, and you build those bonds, those foundations, you can nurture something spectacular. You learn to love, you choose to love, and that makes it even more extraordinary.
Below, are two homages I pay, to the shy little boy I met nearly a decade ago, as he transforms into a courageous young man this week:
~~~~~
Stefan and I are thrilled to announce, our eldest has passed out of AFC Harrogate. He is now progressing his career in the British Army.
Tomas, I may not be you biological mother, but I am so proud to be your mum right now! It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be on this journey with you. From the first day at the Army Careers Office, the Assessment Centre at Pirbright, to getting the call of acceptance.
Leaving you behind, at AFC Harrogate last year, was so very... everything! At barely 16 yrs old, you had this immense courage to go and capture your future, and we stand here today, celebrating everything YOU have worked so hard for.
You're an amazing big brother, and shining example. Always know you will have a home and your family here, waiting for you, with unconditional love and support.
I can't describe what the 18.02.2021 has meant. You have grown so much from that shy little boy I once met, you're a million miles away from there now, as you return home a man.
We may not be able to celebrate as we planned, with the golden oldies, but know the "fab 4" have been behind you every step of the way, always wanting to know how you are, and what you're up to. They've been cheering you on from the start, as have all our close family.
We are so very proud of you, that you are willing to give up "normality", making a sacrifice, so that your friends and family can sleep safely at night.
Always be as courageous as you are right now.
With love now and forever.
Mum and Dad.
-X-
~~~~~
Well, it's been a journey so far... From cadet to Private Vidak. Oh my boy! Though you're not a boy any longer, it's so hard to believe we have a grown up son! When I met you, many, many, years ago, as little boy, I chose to love you, and you made it pretty easy, most of the time. It hasn't been a walk in the park; it's been bloody hard work some days. We've had days where we would barely say two words to each other. It's hard enough being a parent, but being a step-parent is even harder. There's no manual!
But those days are behind us. Now I have sleepless nights because of the job you do, and the dread of how much money you want next. I know the journey ahead won’t be easy at times, but something I learned very early on this road... it's family all the way. It's standing in the freezing cold, all of us together, watching a parade. Taking those family trips to Bovington. And the random visits I arrange... tea and biscuits. Everything is Family! Sorry, you're stuck with us! Now, as I hear you shout "Lizard" at your siblings, for the umpteenth time today, it makes me smile. It's family, it's us.
I'm so proud of everything you've become! Thank you for letting me be your mum. It's been a privilege and honour so far, and will continue to be. I don't think I can ever stop telling the world right now... The poor lady in Tesco got her ear chewed off on Tuesday.
~~~~~
It’s simple, “Ohana”.
Would I truly change a minute of it? Hell NO. If it were easy, it wouldn’t be worthy. It wouldn’t be a privilege or honour, because I wouldn’t fully understand the meaning, the good, the bad, and all that’s in between. Some days break you, others build you. With your own children, you grow together from the beginning; step-children are pre-evolved, but they offer something completely different. It’s a different type of heartache, and worry, with the sleepless nights. It’s a different challenge, slowly as the barriers come down, and you build those bonds, those foundations, you can nurture something spectacular. You learn to love, you choose to love, and that makes it even more extraordinary.
Below, are two homages I pay, to the shy little boy I met nearly a decade ago, as he transforms into a courageous young man this week:
~~~~~
Stefan and I are thrilled to announce, our eldest has passed out of AFC Harrogate. He is now progressing his career in the British Army.
Tomas, I may not be you biological mother, but I am so proud to be your mum right now! It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be on this journey with you. From the first day at the Army Careers Office, the Assessment Centre at Pirbright, to getting the call of acceptance.
Leaving you behind, at AFC Harrogate last year, was so very... everything! At barely 16 yrs old, you had this immense courage to go and capture your future, and we stand here today, celebrating everything YOU have worked so hard for.
You're an amazing big brother, and shining example. Always know you will have a home and your family here, waiting for you, with unconditional love and support.
I can't describe what the 18.02.2021 has meant. You have grown so much from that shy little boy I once met, you're a million miles away from there now, as you return home a man.
We may not be able to celebrate as we planned, with the golden oldies, but know the "fab 4" have been behind you every step of the way, always wanting to know how you are, and what you're up to. They've been cheering you on from the start, as have all our close family.
We are so very proud of you, that you are willing to give up "normality", making a sacrifice, so that your friends and family can sleep safely at night.
Always be as courageous as you are right now.
With love now and forever.
Mum and Dad.
-X-
~~~~~
Well, it's been a journey so far... From cadet to Private Vidak. Oh my boy! Though you're not a boy any longer, it's so hard to believe we have a grown up son! When I met you, many, many, years ago, as little boy, I chose to love you, and you made it pretty easy, most of the time. It hasn't been a walk in the park; it's been bloody hard work some days. We've had days where we would barely say two words to each other. It's hard enough being a parent, but being a step-parent is even harder. There's no manual!
But those days are behind us. Now I have sleepless nights because of the job you do, and the dread of how much money you want next. I know the journey ahead won’t be easy at times, but something I learned very early on this road... it's family all the way. It's standing in the freezing cold, all of us together, watching a parade. Taking those family trips to Bovington. And the random visits I arrange... tea and biscuits. Everything is Family! Sorry, you're stuck with us! Now, as I hear you shout "Lizard" at your siblings, for the umpteenth time today, it makes me smile. It's family, it's us.
I'm so proud of everything you've become! Thank you for letting me be your mum. It's been a privilege and honour so far, and will continue to be. I don't think I can ever stop telling the world right now... The poor lady in Tesco got her ear chewed off on Tuesday.
~~~~~
It’s simple, “Ohana”.
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