Sweet Pea

How is it that my oldest son was given this nickname by me?  Clearly, once you know him as I do, his heart alone speaks the name......sweetness, thus transformed to "Sweet Pea."  As Eric approaches the age of 15 in August, I don't think he would appreciate me yelling out the car window to him "Love you Sweet  Pea" but between  you and me, that's who he is.  He has always been an old soul and has empathy of one who has lived into their retirement years.  As a child, he never gave me a moments worth of grief, unless you count some sleepless nights or lack of social interactions with his peers.  Other than that, he has always been one who was eager to please.  

Most moms would probably agree that the birth of their child is memorable.  Not only are the pain memories of Eric's birth clear in my mind, but the specifics of that day are vivid in my mind as well.  I not only remember the day of his birth, but I also remember the day when I knew I was pregnant with this precious soul.  It wasn't necessarily a pregnancy that Marty and I had planned, but it was welcome and happened when it should have.  We had been married about 4 years, and I think both of us were afraid of parenting.....never sure when that right time would be.  Perhaps by the nudging of a higher power greater than this universe, the plan was set in place.  Feeling little quirks and tiredness, not to mention that time of the month was passed due, I knew what was most likely inside.  With the reliable pregnancy kit, I came to realize what I knew all along.  Before taking the pregnancy test, I mentioned it to Marty, and all I remember was seeing fear pass across his face, and I think he started to munch on some chips.  Of course he was thrilled, but we had that sense that NOW we were really "grown ups", it was official.

The pregancy went without a hitch other than its usual stomach upset and tiredness.  We came home from our 3rd or 4th Lamaze Class, and low and behold I think my water  broke.  It was mid August and so terribly muggy and hot.  I didn't know if I was just "damp" down there or had something really happened???  After calling my older sister, she said to call my Ob/Gyn......I layed in the bed, unable to sleep because of all the unknowns ahead.  I thought about what my mom would think, having another grandchild.  Although she lived in the spiritual realm, I knew that she was so thrilled.  We didn't know if this baby would be a boy or girl, but as I lay in my bed, thinking of us as parents, I made my way to the bathroom.  It was official, the flood gates had broken.  The dampness was a slow leak that had turned into a gusher.  I yelled to Marty that my water had broken, never having felt any glimmer of labor pains.  We had gone to our Lamaze Class earlier in the evening practicing "pushing" and the teacher had said I wasn't doing it correctly.  What did she know!?  I think I literally made my water break.....that's how good I was.  We arrived later that night into the wee hours of the next morning, and that baby "Sweet Pea" didn't come out until around 5:00 p.m. later that day.  Yes, it was the longest, most memorable labor I had of my three children.  I'm sure I screamed and moaned a few negative terms that day, probably deserved as Marty made his "funny" remarks or left the room without asking.  Every mom in labor knows that the man must ask permission before doing anything during this turbulent time.

The labor was long and painful as I didn't get my epidural until I was at 8 1/2 cm.  Long story,  much too long to relive, but it was memorable.  What I do recall most were my sisters being there, all wanting to see the actual birth of this baby coming out.  "Hah, were they kidding???!!!"  One who could barely show my belly, and they thought I would bare ALL of IT????   I politely asked them to exit the room, and shortly after, this beautiful wide-eyed small baby was born, and he looked exactly like my husband.  He didn't cry; rather, he searched the room, and when I said, "hello" this precious baby's eyes met mine, and I fell in love with him.  I loved him before, but this moment was ours, just the two of us.  It didn't matter who was in the room, but his soul was forever linked to mine.  How blessed am I! 

Since then, I've learned the kind, cool spirit of this young man who beats to his own drum.  He isn't swayed by peer pressure, and he has never cared what anyone thinks except his mom or dad.  He makes those oh so right gestures without being told......he just seems to know.  The moment he was born, his smile and big blue eyes took my breath away, and they forever will.  He isn't one for sports, but he loves nostalgia and playing the drums.  While most kids his age are talking on their cell phones or playing video games, my son searches out garage or estate sales, looking for the best bargain and truly enjoys chopping wood or listening to old time rock n roll.  While some teens can be tormenting and harsh at times, it pulls at my heartstrings to see him be the recipient of their comments.  For Eric, though, he doesn't give it a second thought.  As he's told me before, I don't care mom, those girls are just goofy.  Some day they will know the rare commodity of this young man, and they will wish he'd look their way.  I know better, though, as he will find the heart the heart that matches him. If by chance he meets the wrong sort, one who doesn't appreciate the young man that he is, I will make sure she wish she had never met me. (smile)  Does that sound like the mother bear protecting her cub?  I don't think I'll have to worry about that, though, because Eric is a wise old soul.  Some say mothers know best, but in the case of my son, Eric, he knows what's best.  He will never be none other than my Sweet Pea.

"No love is greater than a mother for her child"