Raising a Boy

City Grandma occasionally sends snipets of advice she reads to us. It's always something relating to us and specific aspects of our lives like dating, college or our current interests. I was recently given two articles in Callens 1st birthday card on raising boys. I was truly touched by these articles and how they give 8 ways to raise good boys. I've survived the first year. I've gotten him to sleep through the night and I often ask myself what's next? "What's it gonna be like when he's X age?" When do I start really teaching him things? What do I teach him and how? An impression that hit me towards the end of the article is that as a mother of a boy it's my job to love him. But I realized it's not just me who loves him. And boys aren't often the ones to be into the whole love thing. But how important it is to instill in them the love we have for our boys. I want a sign on his wall that reminds him. 

"Your mom loves you

Your dad loves you

Your father in heaven loves you

We believe in you"

Really isn't that what it's all about? Knowing that we are loved? Doesn't that give us purpose and hope and drive to be better? To prove to the world that you're more than they assume you are?  It makes me want to be a better mom. It makes me appreciate the very important job I've been entrusted with: to raise a righteous young man and return him to my father in heaven. I have moments daily, where I question whether or not I can do this. Sometimes he makes me crazy. Sometimes I need some alone time. But do I love him? Absolutely. I want the best for him and expect it in return. I'm overwhemeled with how lucky I am to be the mother of Callen Dye and the sacred role I play in his life. It's beautiful, it's important. It's love. And I hope he always knows how loved he is.