by J. Thornton-Thomas

Created on: April 16, 2009

I've had my share of ups and downs with raising two teenage daughters and now a son, but I can't deny what a privilege and an honor it has been to be their mother. I still remember when they were born. There are no words to describe my emotions during those times. Teens can be a challenge and you don't always agree but they are so precious and a reminder that they are growing up so you have to cherish your time together.

All three of my children are gifted beyonf measure although there are times I'm sure they didn't realize their gifts. I love their sense of humor and quick witty responses-something they inherited from their father. I also love that they aren't afraid to try new things. I was shy and sheltered growing up and I didn't want that for them so I pushed and encouraged them to move out of their comfort zone. Now they cheer me on as I strive to do the same.

My children were all very special gifts from God in that I never should have had any of them. The first two were in my tubes but when time came for surgery-they had moved to where they were supposed to be. My third was conceived after a stranger walked up to me and said God told her to pray for my womb. Please note that this was 11 years after my second child and we had been told there would not be any more children due to blockage in my tubes and scar tissue. A month after this woman prayed, I discovered I was pregnant-even my doctor was shocked. It was a difficult pregnancy which led me to being on bedrest for 4 months, but my son was born healthy and is a constant joy to me.

I must also admit that I never wanted children because of the way I had grown up and I felt I couldn't give a child the love they deserved, but when my first baby was placed in my arms-it was love at first sight and it's been that way with each of my babies. Two are grown now with children of their own, but to me, they are still my babies. My son is fourteen years old now and very much into sports, but he adores me. We spent lots of time together watching movies, playing video games and of course, watching sports.

I am his biggest fan at football and basketball games, althogh he claims I embarrass him at times. Secretly, I believe he loves hearing me cheer for him. Children are a wonderful gift from God and we should cherish them as He cherishes us. Love is unconditional and while I am the first one to get on my children when they're wrong-I'm also mindful to remind them that it's because I love them and I know the man/woman they can become.

I can't thank God enough for choosing me to be their mother.

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