Comments on: Ever forward

By: Deborah

Deborah — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:02:25 +0000

Beautifully written. You are correct; it will seem like he starts college the year after. My Boo Boy is in Iraq. A 1st Cavalry infantry soldier at that! Only advice I offer on raising children is to never make anything more important than the relationship with the child. My son certainly sanded off layers and layers of me until I was reduced to love. This Mother’s Day I received the most incredible letter from him from Iraq…a thanks for never giving up letter. No need for thanks, for I never knew how to give up. You have so much JOY ahead. Love, Deborah

By: The Homefront

The Homefront — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:14:07 +0000

What a beautiful post! We also have a mural in our daughter’s room, and my heart breaks to think of the day when she will want to paint over it. I thought of that day even while I was painting. She helped design the mural, and it holds so many memories, just as Pooh and Co. did for you. It’s so hard to part with those tangible memory keepers.

It sounds like you have a wonderful relationship with your father. I’m sure some day in the future your son will think of you the same way. Thanks for such a wonderful post!

By: lisasmith

lisasmith — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:14:06 +0000

You caught my sentiment as my son dressed in his swim trunks for the first time this year asking, “Mom, is Spiderman for babies?”

He decided to wear the Spiderman trunks “just one more time.” (smile)

By: Beth E.

Beth E. — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:33:04 +0000

A very touching post, Billy. Our youngest son graduates from high school next week. It seems like only yesterday that he was 5 years old...just like your son.

It's rough when they grow up, but they do still need us from time to time. That's a nice feeling!

Blessings,
Beth

By: LynnRush

LynnRush — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:01:11 +0000

Great post, Billy.

By: deb

deb — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:58:19 +0000

Brilliance , softly gracing and steadfast covenant.

and…. again this community graces. I painted a mural in the powder room / mudroom in our first house , busy with little ones and their sandbox , mudpie , playdoh finger washing. Maybe I’ll dig out the photos I took before it was painted over to ready the house for sale. Wonder how we paint on their souls….

By: LisaShaw

LisaShaw — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:31:24 +0000

This was absolutely precious. It would make a wonderful Father's Day tribute.

Loved the last photo especially.

God bless you.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 27 May 2009 05:10:32 +0000

Much to love about this post.

Tonight, this is what sticks:

"That I might be tough on the outside, but I’m pretty soft on the inside. That I can’t fix everything, don’t know anything ..."

Oh, to humble ourselves like that before our children.

Great work, Billy. Keep letting your soft insides show ... to us and your kids, too.

By: Tina Dee Books

Tina Dee Books — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:49:49 +0000

Wow, so that's not just in my heart, huh? So many of us parents feel the same, I'm keeping good company.

I just don't want my little man to grow up, not too fast anyway. But he is, my Lil' Tiger is growing way too fast.

Thanks for sharing, Billy. And always putting an eternal perspective on things. Love your writing!

--Tina

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 27 May 2009 00:56:18 +0000

I know this post only too well. My 2nd born will be married October 3rd. It hasn’t hit me… not really.
In my mind she’s just playing dress up and planning a big party… I know once the day gets here it will hit me. My oldest is moving across country in a few weeks. She’s already been overseas for a 5 month’s missions trip… It’s hard letting them go…. it’s hard going to that “surrender”…. but we go… one step at a time…

I loved reading this because it doesn’t matter how old your children are it’s a universal thing… We raise them up to let them go.