Birthday Boys

Within the space of three weeks, I get to celebrate both of my boys’ birthdays. One born in March. The other in April. My oldest and youngest—eight years apart.

These sons of mine bring me pure joy! With the pandemic and residing in different states, we “party” through FaceTime. Though not my preferred type of celebration, I’m thankful for such technology.

A space of eight years can sometimes hinder a sibling relationship, but lucky for me, these brothers have always loved and supported each other. Aaron, the eldest, is forever the protector of his little brother. Of course, in their younger days, he was also responsible for teaching Jay some of his ornery tricks.

Jay, being the baby of the family, reveled in all the attention and made his brother proud by mimicking him and his friends who often hung out at our house. Once Aaron taught Jay to “burp on command,” as I called it. The “gang” collapsed in laughter each time Jay burped aloud like the big guys when he was just a little tyke.

Then there was the time when Jay exclaimed, “Oh bull!” in the middle of a church service. Wonder where he learned that! The whole pew shook with Aaron’s laughter while I ducked my head and pretended not to know either of these kids.

Yep, that’s what it’s like being a mom to boys. But I’m happy and content to be one. You see, when I was still in my teens, a doctor told me I might never be able to have children. But God changed that prognosis, knowing my greatest desire was to be a mother.

The Bible says, “Children are a gift from the Lord.” (Psalm 127:3) One version says, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord.” I totally agree and so would their heavenly dad.

For sure and for certain, these grown boys make my heart sing. I love watching their eyes light up with mischief and admiration for each other when they are together. The Lord has truly blessed me with these sons.

Happy Birthday, Aaron and Jay! You are loved more than you know!

By Louise Tucker Jones