Today My Baby Turns 22 that’s right. Wow time really does fly.

Today my baby turns 22 and is now a man, no longer in need of mommy. That’s right babies grow. But where did the time go? Seems like only yesterday I was up in the night feeding him every two hours, a mere 7lbs. 2oz. fitting snuggly in my arm he is now 6’4” towers over me and wakes with a five o’clock shadow. How is it I still see him as my little baby? Happily wishing him the best birthday and a long happy, healthy life full of success I am a bit sad for my own selfish reasons. I am wondering if I am all I thought I would be at this time in my life. Although Ken has grown into a young man with a big heart, high integrity, dependable, honest and loyal to a near fault, as well as extremely hardworking, today I am left wondering if worse than the reality that I still have so much to accomplish in my own life, if I have been a good mother. I think it is natural to wonder but I question if I should have had more patience, if I was too hard on him, if I should have given him more of my time when he could’ve used it. Did I provide the right amount of emotional and financial support? You know you are old when … I am looking back and I wish not only that I had spoiled him more and taken him on more vacations but that I had soaked in every single second of his life instead of cleaning the house and working all the hours I could.

Dear Ken,

I know you didn’t have everything you could ever ask for growing up but I did the very best I could right or wrong. As you venture off into the world on your own I hope you know that your entire life and the bright future ahead of you are now all yours for the taking. Don’t be afraid to take chances. You can do, become and conquer anything you put your strong willed mind to. Always stand up for yourself, keep the feelings of others in mind but do not allow others to put limitations on you as you move toward your dreams and successes. Remember that any failure you may face is a chance to learn and for every door that closes a better one will open believe it. The respect and admiration I have for you today I always will. Wherever you go and whatever you do may the warmth of the love I have had for you since birth surround you. I couldn’t be happier for you or more proud of the man you have become. I cherish the memories we’ve built and I look forward to our future together not only as mother and son but as friends. I love you Ken Happy Birthday!

Love always,

Mom xo

 This post was written by Nannette Bosh and provided courtesy of Nannette Bosh Inc. together with the Bangle and Clutch Community for Inspirational Women.

If you would like to join our inspirational community and submit an inspiring blog post of your own visit our Inspire Us page for details. Thanks for reading Today My Baby Turns 22.