"Sunrise, Sunset"

"Is this the little girl I carried?
 Is this the little boy at play?
 I don't remember growing older,
 When did they?"

Seventeen, today my first born son turns seventeen....

Spencer, seventeen years ago you entered this world six weeks early.  Although premature, you weighed in at a healthy 7lbs and 9oz's.   You had a head full of jet black hair that stood straight up, and your face was the sweetest face I had ever seen.  On December 23rd, after eight days in the hospital, we brought you home.  Yes, Christmas came early that year.  You, my most precious gift.... 

I remember your firsts.  The first time you walked, the first time you talked, your first day at school, the loss of your first tooth.  At seventeen, you are still experiencing *firsts*, but now I stand back and watch in awe and apprehension.  In awe of your confidence, as you spread your wings for your eventual flight from the nest; in apprehension, as you begin to fly solo out in the world.  Every fiber of my being wants to snatch you back, keep you safe from any harm.  Yet, I know that I must begin to let go, I cannot stop you.  Time marches on, ready or not.

Not.... not ready yet, and for that I'm thankful.  For now I wait for your return from solo flights, leaving the porch light on and not sleeping until I know you are home safe.  I cherish these days because I know that someday soon you'll leave the nest, and the porch light will remain off....

Off.... into the world you'll fly.  My first born son, my pride and joy.  Almost a man, no longer a boy.  Seventeen, today my first born son turns seventeen.  Happy birthday Spencer....

"Sunrise, Sunset...
 Sunrise, Sunset,
 Swiftly fly the years.
 One season following another,
 Laden with happiness and tears...."