MOTHERHOOD
My three babies became toddlers...then schoolboys. This year all three will be teenagers. The eldest, Armstead, turns seventeen. Wow.
The cycle of life. Bittersweet. A cherished journey with obstacles and challenges. Memorable achievements. Delayed milestones. The moment one holds one's first born. Thunder strikes. The joy is immense. Yet, one grapples with a sense of enormous responsibility. That helpless bundle of joy depends on you for sustenance and survival. The realization that we --the parents-- mold/influence/guide our offspring on roads taken, and those to be avoided i.e. not taken.
On Mother's Day, I like to get out the photo albums and reminisce: marvel at the milestones the children have achieved; to realize time really does fly by. Before long, the boys are taller, have deeper voices, even facial hair.
The eldest, Armstead, is ready to make his own way aware that the journey will inevitably involve the school of hard knocks. He has a calling. Always wanted to be in the military. Ever since he was a toddler he had to have some sort of stick, and then his toy weapons and soldiers. Just likes most boys.
Josef turned fourteen this year. His passion is outer space. He'd love to go to Mars, even if it means a one way trip. Perceptive with a dry sense of humor.
Vernie turns thirteen this year. The baby of the family. His passion is dinosaurs and animals. Vernie's encyclopedic knowledge on various species is astounding. Loves to be around his brothers.
I'm blessed. What a joy it is to be a mother. Other moms will understand. Happy Mother's Day to all moms.
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| ARMSTEAD BRANDON BURKI LIEBL CIRCA 1998 |
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| JOSEF JEREMIAH BURKI LIEBL circa 2004 |
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| VERN NATHANIEL BURKI LIEBL circa 2008 LIEBL BOYS circa 2005  |
