When I gave birth to Joe, I was little more than a child myself. A teenager with no direction, floundering through life making a series of mistakes and bad judgments. But having Joe gave me the incentive and the strength I needed to grow up and to heal myself, in order to become someone worthy of being his mother. He made me whole for the first time, giving me purpose and making me want more for myself and for him. That tiny 7 lb 1 oz baby saved me.
Over the years my son has taught me many things about myself, about life and about parenthood. We didn't always have it easy, but together we muddled through as best we knew how. Sometimes I look back and wish that Joe could have enjoyed the charmed existence that his little brother Freddy has now. But the journey we took back then has made us the people we are today. And who we are today has been shaped by everything we experienced together.
I do have regrets about my past, but I wouldn't change a single thing, because anything done differently would have altered the path that I ultimately took. The path that has lead me to who and what I am today. The path that has blessed me with five incredible children along with the richness they have brought into my world. The path that gave my children the most amazing father they could have ever wished for. The path that has given them a mother who is hopefully, in their eyes, worthy of that title. The path that has lead my son Joe to become an amazing man with his own beautiful family, a promising career and a sense of humour that never ceases to make me smile.
Joe is a man I am proud to call my son. The father of my first born grandchild. Big brother to the girls and Freddy. A man who I have watched grow as a person, learning from his mistakes and evolving into a more responsible, hard working, loving, hilariously funny, unique human being with a passion for cars, computer gaming, playing football and for providing for his family.
Joe, I love you.
Happy birthday son xxx
