21 Years

How many people can remember what they were doing a year ago? Five years ago? Ten years ago? I can't remember any of those times but I do remember exactly what I was doing 21 years ago.

I was a scared kid, 15 years old, and in labor having my oldest son. I wasn't alone in the truest sense of the word but I was quickly becoming a single parent. Quickly is a matter of opinion. 18 hours is quick but not so quickly when you are in labor!! I had no idea what was in store for his baby and me. I didn't know what the years would bring. I wasn't even sure what tomorrow would bring.

18 hours after labor started I was the proud mom to Robert John Madden, 7 pounds 8 ounces. He was beautiful. He was mine and I had no idea what we were going to do. As time progressed we learned together. We had sleepless nights, we had dirty diapers, we had scream fests late into the night. We also had endless supplies of laughing and cooing. Beautiful smiles and lots of cuddles.

As the years progressed we welcomed his little brother into the world, we got married and welcomed 2 sisters into the world. We all changed our names to become a "family". We also had mother / son fights, we had butt spankings, groundings, yelling and many a threats. Through the good and the bad we had each other and we had love.

It has been one heck of a wild ride but sitting here today I look back and am amazed at our journey. Today I sit here and can say my baby is a man. He is serving our country in Africa. Who knew 21 years ago my baby would grow up. At times I'm not sure if I raised him or if he raised me but here we are. So 21 years ago my life took a turn and as it turns out it was a turn for the best. I love you Robert John Madden Martins as only your momma can.