Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Seven on Seven


Seven years ago
A cold, snowy April day
You completely changed me
And I became "Mommy"

Now, you have completely changed, too
A bright-eyed, smiley boy
With a gummy grin
Baby teeth have given in
To the inevitable future

The loves of your younger years
Seem seconds away to me
But are half a lifetime away
For you

Reading chapter books
And writing your own
Developing characters
And discussing marketing techniques
To continue your franchise

You love R2-D2
Though you have not yet seen Star Wars
We try our best to keep
That innocence we love around
But it won't be long

You called me "Mom"
For the first time
And I wished I could give
A time-out
For growing up

My first grader
Whose world was once completely reliant
Upon Mommy and Daddy
Now has other influences
Teachers, friends, mean kids
And girls who chase boys on recess

Seven years have passed
A warm, summer-like day
I share my birthday with you again
But now I know so well the many emotions
That come with being who you made me:
Your mommy

And I know that --
Without a doubt --
My best birthday gift
Will always be
You.