Even as the grooms say “I do”, my heart swells with the notion that his turn will arrive one day soon. After two decades, a mom knows the sober, sometimes sad truth that “time flies”.

Twenty and a man. Soon to honor His God, family and country and set sail on a ship. I yelled at him yesterday, like he was twelve (he was running and throwing a basketball in the house, inciting all four of his younger brothers to mayhem). How silly I felt, when I remembered, while forever my boy, he is a man. How silly he looked at me . . surprised and unsure whether to laugh or run. He quickly forgave when I said sorry, and he hugged me. So tall, so strong, so unbelievably far from the babe I birthed.

Yet forever the same in my heart.

God, please hold him since I no longer can. Watch over him, while I stand watch in prayer.

My son forever, please make him Your man.