How My Greatest Blessings Became My Best Friends
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
One of the greatest blessings and privileges I’ve had in my life is to be a mom. Mike and I have devoted the last 26 years to nurturing, guiding, and raising Michael Jr., Megan, and Matthew physically, as well as spiritually into some pretty fantastic grown-ups.
I always thought that when the kids turned 18, my job as their Momma would be over. I spent a lot of tears worrying that they wouldn’t need me anymore but boy, was I ever wrong. I am truly thankful for that. I tried really hard to have other titles after my name besides mom. Other titles I wore were a wife, a business owner, a daughter, a sister, and a friend. However, my job as a mom was my most important job. Although they are grown, I am thankful that they still need me and I get to continue to nurture and guide them.
When they were little, these kids did everything other little kids did. They misbehaved, they fought and they played together like the best of friends. The age differences were 32 months between Michael and Megan and 20 months between Megan and Matthew. As they grew their bond became tighter and now that they are adults they are the best of friends. The three humans we have raised are all grown up and in their twenties now. They are all very different but very similar.
One of the reasons I believe we’re all still as close as we are is because we raised our children in the church. We are all members of the First Missionary Baptist Church of our local town. I am so thankful that each child has a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mike recently ended four years of service in the US Air Force. He recently moved to North Dakota and is in school where he can get a bachelors degree in professional aviation, his lifelong dream.
Enter Samantha, our beautiful, smart and spunky newly adopted by marriage fourth child. Matt met Sam shortly after he arrived in Missouri and they have been together ever since. They got married in August 2011 and are committed to staying in Missouri for the time being. As hard as it is to have one of my children living 1200 miles away, I know he’s safe with his bride. I can still text him and call him any time I want.
In spite of their many differences, the kids share many similarities. They are the hardest working millennials I’ve ever seen. They are loyal to a fault in that their friends and employers don’t always reciprocate that, and its hurtful to them.
They love their family and after God, their family is a priority for them. Even though they are older now, they still prioritize hanging out with Mom and Dad even to do something as mundane as grocery shopping. That always amazes me. I’m the only mom I know that is still taking her kids to the grocery store and to run other errands.
The kids think that now that they are all gone and moved on that Mike Sr and I should sell our house and get something smaller. We always say no way! This home needs to be a gathering place for kids and grandkids to come back to. If we downsized, where would everyone stay? No thank you. Home is where the family meets.
Thank you for letting me share my babies with you. For more information about my family and our story, read About Me, we are all in that article. If you like this story, please consider signing up for future One Exceptional Life updates. I also welcome your comments and shares.
This gives me great confidence in my relationships with my 5 children. I hope to become their bestfriend when the time come. Me and my 12 year old are pretty much there. 🙂
Keep listening to and guiding them through their teenage years and you’re going to get there. I always found so much joy in each stage of their lives. It seems the older they got, the closer we got. Thank you for your feedback and best wishes for you and your kids.
I enjoyed this post. I am the oldest of 8 kids and have always been close to my mom. I have been her protector, confidant, counselor and caregiver. I think it is a wonderful thing when parent and child can be friends after childhood ends and adulthood begins. Not everyone has such a blessed gift.
Thanks for sharing.
God bless you!
Thank you for saying that. It’s encouraging to me that you have such a great relationship with your mom. I also had one with my mom, but she passed away 16 years ago. (Has it really been that long?). I appreciate your feedback.
Relationships change as our children become adults and have families of their own. My children are wonderful friends and we enjoy spending time together.
It’s such a wonderful blessing watching them grow and watching their relationships grow. Keeping the family close is so important.
Thanks for sharing!
My mum is my best friend. I can call her for advice or when I’m at the supermarket to ask which aisle I could find something. She’s incredible and I’m sure your kids think the same of you.
What a wonderful relationship you have with your mom. I am so thankful that the kids still need me & I pray they always will.
Beautiful post!
Thank you, Holly!
Thanks for sharing the details about your kids. It’s amazing how God works, isn’t it? My husband and I have two boys, and they are blessings to us as well. Thanks for the positivity and sharing about your faith.
As ever,
Lisa
Absolutely, I am so very thankful for Gods blessings. Thank you for your kind words.