Caleb. . . Caleb. . . Caleb Being his mom has given me an understanding and appreciation of many things I would not have known otherwise. He came to us at the age of 19 months full of the wonder of discovering everything. He was never still, always searching for something to interest him. He certainly kept Tim and I in good shape chasing him around everywhere. The only thing he has always been able to be slow and gentle with is his brother, Mason. Their bond is strong, and still to this day when Caleb is around Mason, he becomes a different man. It is wonderful to watch. I have been reminded of that recently as he has popped in to visit several times. Many of you know what a rollercoaster of a journey it has been for us raising Caleb. All of it was worth it. I know it is so difficult to see God's hand on everything when the going is rough, but I do know that God cares more about our children than we ever can as earthly parents. That took a while for me to swallow, but being able to "say" that out loud is very comforting. So, here is the list of things I never would have known so well without my Caleb.
1. football - I still don't understand a lot, but I did come to appreciate it while Caleb played.
3. the real world - I think I had some rose colored glasses on for part of my life, but Caleb helps me see the real world. He notices things I wouldn't. I used to love driving him around and listening to him talk from the backseat. He would point out so many things I would miss. He would also notice things that weren't too good, and we would have conversations about them. He cares so deeply about others, is so compassionate, loves to help out others in need.
2. ADHD - It is very different when someone you love is blessed with this (and it is a blessing). Having worked with many students with ADHD, I thought I would understand my own child more, but I didn't. I think I do now (and Caleb does too). I truly understand the blessings that this brings to him: creativity, energy, a deep caring spirit, the ability to take risks (something I can learn from him).
3. perspective - As a child, I really wanted to please adults. I still am a rule follower for the most part. I thought it was as easy as a choice to be made. However, through raising Caleb and knowing him now, as an adult, I know that temptation is different for everyone. It didn't ever pull at me the way it has at Caleb, and I am grateful for that. Through perspective, I have gained more patience and understanding of other people than I would have if I did not have the privilege of being Caleb's mom.
4. God's clenching hand - He doesn't let go of his children, He fights for them!
5. my child, a successful adult: He may not have done everything the way I hoped, but he has gotten there. He supports himself, takes care of what he needs to, holds down a full time (very difficult)job, and interacts with his dad and I frequently. He always says I love you and gives a kiss or hug before leaving (There was a time I didn't know if he would ever do that again).
So, I am sooooooooooo glad we adopted Caleb. He has made me a better person, and I love him unconditionally.
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