Brothers come into the world welcomed, hugged, kissed and cared for greatly by their oldest brothers. This adoration and nobleness quickly become territorial lessons in healthy boundary development – usually through first enacting unhealthy responses.
Brothers throw much about – angry words, carelessness and punches – as they find how they fit not only in the brotherhood, but in the family and then in the world.
As a mother watching the evolution of these boys to men and how their brotherhood fits into their growing-up world, well, I have put my faith in the goodness of God’s plan for each life, learning to live faith in a “substance of things hoped for, not seen” way.
My most memorable moment of 2011?
Watching my oldest son, a father-to-be any day, pull his soldier brother into a hug, before his soldier brother drove away.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15:7).
Just a hug?
I don’t think so.
What a sweet moment to experience as a mother! Happy New Year!
And here’s another year that will go by like sand slipping through our fingers. Adorable pic and sweet mem’ry indeed! Happy New Year and God bless.
So sweet, Maryleigh! You have such a precious momma-heart. I’m thankful you have this precious memory. Blessings to you for more memories in the New Year!
Reading about that hug brought tears to my eyes. What a moment!
Happy New Year, friend!
Preicous!
an awesome responsibility to raise godly boys… I had three… may God grant you wisdom… baby grand coming in August… I think it’s a boy!
stop over at Scribbling Spiritual Sand at: http://www.wolfsrosebud.wordpress.com today and join us in our first link-up pot-luck open until Wednesday 10am
Hey Maryleigh! What a beautiful post and precious picture. I wish I was able to share moments like that. You are definitely blessed.
Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog. Yes, I will definitely miss her beyond measure. I was closer to her than my own “blood family”. I know that God is with me and will help me through this. I get “moments” of peace, then some thought will come along and I will turn into a river of tear again. I wonder if there is ever a point where we run out of tears to cry. Well, I’m doing it again, so I shall close. I’m so glad we found each other. you have definitely been a blessing to me. You and your family are continually in my prayers.
God Bless,
PJ
Such a great memory!
Precious memory! A perfect moment in a momma’s heart. I hope your sons continue to bless you in 2012.
Okay…that memory of your boys totally made me cry! I agree. Boys can definitely be crazy at times. Mine seem to be so rowdy, and I only have two of them!!!
Happy New Year! May God’s best be all around you and your family 🙂
oh so beautiful…
Eh, Maryleigh, you’re always makin’ me cry. I really, really love your heart.
Oh my goodness. Thank you for making me cry today. Putting my faith in the unseen…
oh, sounds so bittersweet.
As a mom of three boys, I completely empathize with everything that you said about them. Mine have a love, hate, love, love, love, hate, love relationship.LOL! This was beautiful.
I can understand why this was a favorite moment for you.
Real interactions between fathers and sons or brothers always get me. Maybe it’s because we don’t get many glimpses at our men being vlunerable, and situations like your favorite moment remind us that they are.
As a mother of four sons, I absolutely get this. You said it very well. I loved seeing all of my men hug each other last fall when we dropped our oldest son off at college…and drove away. So bittersweet to this mama…
What a great moment you got to witness. A hug is more than a hug! Love this.
I don’t think it was just a hug either!
Exactly! I don’t think so either!! This is so heartwarming and God’s goodness manifested right before your eyes. I am looking forward to another year of Blue Cotton Memories (after my 30 day sabbatical (yikes). Luv ME
With all the angry words and punches there are still hugs and love from the heart not always put into words. Brothers do love their little brothers and very much. May we all love the children (of God) our brothers and sisters in the same manner.
Yes, that is one worth putting away in the treasure chest. Thanks for sharing it. My most memorable moment was my husband’s eulogy at his father’s funeral. While it was sad, it was full of so much love, the product of so much giving.
Oh, that surprise ending just took my breath and got me all choked up…
I pray this kind of friendship for my boys, almost two years apart to the day. Do you know, when his little brother was born, my eldest told him to go back in mommy’s belly :). They are pretty good together now, best buds. Not bad for two teenagers.
What a beautiful memory to have! I have 3 little girls, they are only 25 months apart…all 3 of them! One day too soon I will be where you are at now. 🙂
What a blessing for you to witness their love for each other…thanks for sharing 🙂
That is so tender and inspiring. I hope my daughters have that kind of adult relationship someday. Blessings on the grandchild!
i think that was a beautiful moment for 2011…gave me a big smile…and makes up for those days they beat up on each other eh? smiles.
Crying! Beautiful. 🙂 Those are the moments that define life.