A blessing to be thankful for

Moe finally passed the driving test and received his driver’s license yesterday! I think he was the only teenager in our town over the age of sixteen years old, who did not have a driver’s license.

When he posted this milestone event on his Facebook, there were over twenty people who responded- I think his friends are relieved that they don’t have to drive him around anymore.

Though I am very thrilled that Moe has his driver's license, it also came with a feeling of sadness; All of our great conversations came from being in the car.

It was easier for Moe to tell me about his frustrations, his dreams, his questions about the purpose of life, and often cringe worthy subjects like…sex. All subjects were discussed with judgments set aside.

And as Moe has often said to us, "I can talk easily in the car because I don't have to look at your reaction- you have to pay attention to the road and not look at me. "

Our car became a safe place for Moe to talk.

Our relationship has evolved and I’m glad that we can discuss almost anything outside the car.

As I was looking at some of Moe's childhood pictures, I still find it hard to believe that the little baby that fit right in my arms has become the young man he is today.

During this Christmas season, I have made many reflections. It dawned on me a few weeks ago that I have spent this entire year being depressed. I have had many moments of happiness, but spent far too much time in which I focused on my losses, rather than my blessings.

This Christmas season I am focusing on all my blessings and I have many to be grateful for; I want to share with you one of my greatest blessing....my son Moe.

Let me take you back to memory lane and share with you some of my fondest memories of Moe's childhood...

Moe was barely one week old in this picture. Who would have thought that this little seven pound baby would grow up to be 6'4?

This was Moe's first Christmas. with us. He was seven months old. My brother in laws nicknamed him "Don King," since his hair would often stick up, resembling Don King's hair....I personally think Moe is cuter.

Moe recognized his dad's voice from day one. Whenever RM would speak, Moe's head would turn towards his voice. They still have a close relationship.

The first time Moe had a piece of cake was on his first birthday.

Every time he would finish eating, he would raise his hands in the air to let us know that he was done eating and say, "All Done."


This picture was taken the day after Moe turned one years old- his first hair cut. I loved his long hair, but he was such a sweaty kid and he was constantly trying to get hair out of his face, so I relented and took him to get his hair cut. I remember being a little sad because he resembled a little boy than a baby.


Moe was about three years old in this picture, he's wearing a Lion King's Tee shirt which was one of his favorite cartoons. He always seemed to laugh at everything and his laughter was infectious...it still is.


This is Moe's preschool graduation. He was already a class clown and loved making everyone laugh. His preschool teacher required parents to volunteer and shadow some of the kids and write down their observations-I still have them.


When Moe was six years old, he loved playing practical jokes on everyone. My mom indulged him and bought him whoopee cushions (the kind that makes a fart sound when you sit on it), hand buzzers, fake poop, and these Groucho glasses.


I remember that RM did not want to have his picture taken wearing the Groucho glasses, but gave in when Moe kept pleading for him to put it on, and pose for the picture. It's funny how RM is trying to look dignified and somehow he's able to pull it off!


Moe is about ten or eleven years old in this picture. RM and I were glad that he was in scouts, because he was able to go on a lot of camping trips- something that RM and I don't like doing.

Our idea of camping is the Marriott Courtyard.

Eighth grade graduation - the beginning of teenage angst.

I am only a mother of one, but my son has brought so much joy to my life. And that is a blessing that I am very thankful for.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and take the time to be grateful for what you have!