3rd Mother's Day Without Jared

Next Sunday will be my third Mother's Day without Jared. And it always a difficult day.  A day I wish that Jared was here. While Mother's Day will never be like it was when Jared was alive, it is still a beautiful day because I get to celebrate being Steven’s mom. Celebrate the fact that because of Steven, a part of Jared will always live on. We have continued some of our  previous Mother's Day traditions and have also started new ones.  We have continued our traditional dinner with wonderful friends and we have started a new tradition where Steven takes me to breakfast on Mother's Day.  It continues to be a day full of love and laughter. But yes, I always wish Jared could be here to celebrate with us.

This year will be a new kind of Mother's Day for us.  Jon will be here to join in the celebration. It warms my heart to know he wants to be part of our family.  That he wants to celebrate with us.  That he wants to take Steven to buy a card.  Pick out a present.  That he wants to be part of our Mother's Day celebration. And it's nice to have a partner again.  To have someone who wants to take care of me.  Take care of Steven.  And I love that he knows Jared will always be a part of our lives.  Part of our celebrations. And that he not only expects that to happen, but he supports it  He encourages it.

So next Sunday, as we will celebrate Mother's Day I will once again be counting my blessings.  That I am Steven's mom.  That I have the privilege to watch him grow and become all that God has planned for him.  That I can honor my love for Jared while getting to explore my new love with Jon.  That God (and I think Jared should get some credit) sent me a wonderful man that wants to love not just me but also my son.

Even though this Mother's Day will be different, it will be wonderful.  A celebratory day with family and friends.  A day of love and laughter.  A day to be grateful that God blessed me with the most amazing gift, my son.