Wednesday, May 23, 2007

My oldest is seven


The last seven years have definitely been the most difficult, yet fulfilling of my life. Harry, as I have often written about, is a challenging child to parent. He has pushed my patience to levels I never knew I could attain. His needs have been so constant and demanding, at times, that my marriage has been strained to its limits. His behaviors have produced feelings in me that I had never experienced before knowing him. Positive and negative.

Harrison is smart. Really smart. He is also funny, creative, artistic, focused, and shy. His shyness can overwhelm him at times, but when he’s relaxed and comfortable he’ll talk and talk.

Harry keeps his feelings close to his vest. I feel privileged each and every time I get a true glimpse into his heart. Many times, I have to determine his emotions through his nonverbal expressions. His smile, of course, is my favorite expression. When he smiles it covers his entire face!

This past month has brought extraordinary challenges to my life as Harry’s mom, but as I sit and reflect on the positive things that he has given to me, I am reminded of how much it is an honor to parent him.

9 comments:

B.E.C.K. said...

Happy birthday to your beautiful boy (and his devoted mom)! :-)

blackbird said...

Happy day to him -


(you know I have a boy like Harry, who I call Harry (as a nickname) and I could write the very same things about him...

Anonymous said...

Wow - he looks like such a grown up young boy in that first pic! If that makes sense...

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your Harrison. My Harrison is also seven, and sounds much like yours. Parenting him has not been anything like what I imagined it would be, he has pushed buttons I didn't know I had, and made me dig very deep into my well of patience. But he's loveable and charming and I beleive the challenging and frustating behaviors that today drive me crazy, will someday serve him well.

Jonniker said...

Oh happy birthday to such a gorgeous kid.

Anonymous said...

You know Carol, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, one that you will be so happy and proud that you remained the loving and stable parent that it is so hard to remember is in there. My oldest, my one and only son, sounds much like your Harry. Oh did we have so, so many trials with him. He is 31 now and very much a funny, smart and loveable young man. I love to be around him and he has such a strong sense of family now. I wondered many times as he grew up if he would. Keep going forward, follow your mom's intuition and Harry will be the better for it. How can he not with the love of him mom and dad.

Psycho Kitty said...

Happiest of birthdays to your boy, and I hope the next year brings peace and happiness your way. I have been a horrible, horrible blogperson lately, but everytime I stop by here I think, Dang it. I wish I could take that Carol out for lunch.
I think we would have much to discuss.
xo
PK

Anonymous said...

happy belated birthday to Harry.

Kate Giovinco Photography said...

Happy birthday Harrison! I hope he had an awesome day!