<p>I am absolutely sure the recognition is completely deserved. Humility and truth are bedfellows. Your humility is a treasure, I think.</p>
<p>I think of Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. That was the best word, “humble” that Charlotte could find for Wilbur.</p>
<p>Congratulations for raising a son who really sees you.</p>
<p>What a beautiful thing. Well done, hyjeonlee.</p>
<p>I was struck as well by your comment about Fran (the woman who stayed with your family for 14 years). When my twins were a year old, we hired someone to take care of them when H and I were working (as an OB-GYN, H has a completely unpredictable schedule and could not be counted out to be at home, pick kids up from daycare, etc.). She has stayed with us ever since and is truly part of the family – I can’t see letting her go. In an era where I see so many other kids go through multiple childcare providers in a row, I think it’s a real blessing to have someone who becomes another rock for your kids. More rocks are better!</p>
<p>What a wonderful moment that must have been! Did your eyes well up with tears? Mine did reading your story.:)</p>
<p>I loved your post.</p>
<p>When I feel sentimental, I reread my son’s college essay, about his grandmother and sadness of her death. I know, kids should not write about death of a grandparent, but I hadn’t found CC when he was applying to colleges. Had she read his words, she too would have felt she had been given a gift more precious than gold. She would have known that her time with her grandson was appreciated.</p>
<p>I’m happy for the OP that she received this thoughtful gift.</p>
<p>Pizzagirl,</p>
<p>our experience with Fran is just like yours with your “family friend”. Fran and her family are very much like an extended family to us. Before her second marriage, there were years when I took her young adult daughters in (inviting them to live with us), both at the same time or alternately. I did that, because I needed to make sure that she is happy so that my kids would be taken care of by someone who is at peace with herself (and she couldn’t be when her daughters were in an unstable situation). Now, her husband takes my kids to ball games and hunting. I was extremely lucky to have found Fran, and I feel that I owe her a debt of gratitude for having provided such a stable environment for my kids. </p>
<p>I make sure that every time my 19 year old comes home from college he visits her and spends some time with her and her daughters. I was very gratified when my son, the college kid, said, “when I am rich, I would like to pay for Fran’s grand children’s college education”</p>
<p>I think both your and my families are lucky.</p>
<p>hyeonjlee - I am so glad you shared your story with us. I feel the same way about my parenting as you did. Others around me seemed to have so much patience and talent for arts and crafts and other kids’ activities. But now that I’m getting ready to send my S to college this weekend, I feel so much more confident in the way he’s been raised.</p>
<p>Beautiful mental snapshot, OP. Enjoy “looking” at it often!</p>
<p>Awesome! Congratulations!</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>Thanks for your post. Enjoy the good feelings he gave you often. Good to hear a son appreciates a mom like those of us who aren’t baby/crafts people. I tried some sessions with crafts but (fortunately) one of most was enough for both son and myself. Like parent like child. You gave him what he needed and wanted. Still waiting for more appreciation- it has begun to come in bits here and there, suspect my son’s maturing is taking longer. Mothers of daughters- they communicate much more than sons.</p>
<p>this is a beautiful story. thanks for sharing it with us.</p>