The minute Taylor was born the meaning of life was all clear to me. Within the first hour, I was unable to imagine what life would be like without him. I found myself very protective of him and very proud of every little noise he made, every one of his “firsts”, and just seeing him laugh was suddenly more gratifying than anything I could have ever accomplished.

I was fortunate enough to spend the first 18 months of his life with him day to day before I started beauty school in Mt. Vernon. I remember having to leave in the morning to go to school and seeing his little face looking out the window from his playpen puckered up and crying. I would cry, myself, all the way to school every day.

Taylor was always a very sweet and loving little boy. He used to go up to kids at the park and say “Hi, my name is Taylor. Wanna play?” He was always very good at sharing, good manners, and considering the feelings of other kids. I think he’s the only child I’ve ever seen that would open up clothes for Christmas and Birthdays and get so excited and be so appreciative. He would run to the bathroom squeeling with joy to try on his new clothes.

Later, Taylor adjusted to me having a new husband and a new step brother. A new sister came along when he was just 7 years old. This was quite a bit to take on for him but as always, he made me so proud by the way he was so patient and willing to share my time and affection.

He started his first play that year. Every evening he spent hours at the theatre learning the skills of teamwork and artistic creativity. I can’t express how much I enjoy watching him perform.

I got to watch him do his first school play this year. I knew they had practiced for over six months. I anxiously waited for his part to come up. Boy did I realize what a big kid he is compared to the others. He came out onstage and completely tripped and fell face first onto the stage in front of everyone. I gasped in complete horror as I thought this is the worst thing that could possibly happen to him. To my surprise, he jumped right back on his feet, continued his part with such positive expression, that we could not tell whether that was an accident or if he did it on purpose.

That moment represented alot that Taylor has been through over the years. We have struggled with a difficult divorce and many other personal challenges in our lives. Taylor has always done his very best to keep his chin up and keep moving forward. I know that he will use these skills along with his compassion for others, his manners, and his determination to be the best of whatever he decides to do in life.

I love Taylor very much and am very proud and honored to be his mom. I will always be there for him and I look forward to our relationship getting better with every passing year as he is slowly growing into an adult right before my eyes.

Now if he can just DO HIS HOMEWORK!