Mancub

April 14, 2008 by Ellen Stimson in Mothering


I met him 23 years ago, the year I was also 23. Everyone talked about what a young mother I was. All my friends were on their first jobs or deep into grad school. No one talked back them about aspiring to become a full time mom. It was way uncool.
But I did. I’d been playing with my babydolls and preparing for that moment all of my life one way or another.
And then I met him. It was love at first sight. He was wild. He didn’t sit still to get his hair braided like my dolls had. He no more wanted me to change his outfit than to have to sleep. I know that there must have been a time when he snuggled in my lap and was a tiny infant, but it surely didn’t last. Mostly what I remember from those early years was running. I was forever chasing him. He was always running or climbing up on some precarious edge looking down. This one broke his arm, his jaw, and his knee all before he was 11 in soccer, soccer, and a bike mess respectively.
But he had the most generous heart of anyone I knew. He once gave away his bike to a friend whose family couldn’t afford one because he’d after all had one all his life. He forgives easily and could jump higher than anyone else. He played basketball and soccer and once briefly baseball. He loves music of all kinds from spirituals to rap. He is chasing a college degree now and is only a semester away. Next he wants to head to the city, hang out in cool coffee shops, meet women, make pots of money, and promote the independent music he loves.
He changed my life and together we learned what these things called motherhood and childhood could really be like. You may get two chances at the whole parent child bond. I was determined that I was going to make the most of this second chance. And he showed me the way. He taught me about unconditional love. Because of him I have done some of my best and most creative life’s work.
This wild child taught me that kids come as they are. You water them and wait to see who they will become. Mine are all different. This one is a smart, thinking liberal, with a passion for music and little kids. He wakes up slow and goes to sleep even slower. He likes his music loud and his life fast. He loves video games and high end colorful shirts. He will eat anything, but really loves shrimp, lobster, and oysters. You’d think he’d grown up on the coast. He makes art that looks like he came of age in the sixties, He works hard and will do a favor for anyone. Of course he picks up hitchhikers and takes in strays. Of course he does, our big six foot three gentle wild thing…..
Happy Birthday Benjamin. These 23 years have flown by. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

    Comments

  • beesknees


    He is quite handsome. Does he have a girl?

  • Molls


    I am teary over mine going off to college. Its nice to see that you have stayed close and to hope that we will too. My oldest is headed to college though in another country!

  • Law Student Hot Mama


    Aww shucks. It makes me wonder what my kiddo is going to look like in 23 years. And also kills me a little because I both want to and don’t want to think of him as a man! MAN! EEK!

  • Rebecca


    Beautiful. I’m still years and years away from writing a post like this one. Is it too much to hope that my kids will turn out as well?

    Happy birthing day!

  • Kellan


    Oh, this made me cry – such a beautiful tribute to your sweet son – such a beautiful Birthday wish!!! Happy Birthday Mancub – I hope it is wonderful!!

    Take care- Kellan

  • the mother of this lot


    Haoppy Birthday Benjamin! I enjoyed reading about you!

  • Family Adventure


    He sounds lovely! I hope my own Benjamin turns out to be an equally lovely mix of uniqueness when he’s 23.

    Happy Birthday, Benjamin!

    Heidi

  • library lady


    Happy Birthday Benjamin! It’s not every day that you get national coverage for being born…you and your mother are well-matched!

  • Bia


    It always amazes me how different our children can be, and as parents how we have to constantly adapt how we deal with them. What works for one child may not for the next.

    It’s wonderful you were able to celebrate your son’s individuality . . . he sounds like such a nice young man.

  • Mighty Morphin' Mama


    Happy Birthday to your beautful boy… I mean young man! They will always be our boys, don’t you think?
    This is such a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing a bit about him with us.
    Thank you for the Happy birthdays too!

  • Sara


    I love this post…its such a sweet idea..Hope his birthday was happy!

  • Peace is every step


    Sweet post. “We may only get two chances for a mother-child bond”..I try to remind myself of this often. I love your blog for the perspective you are in with grown children-there is so much to learn & you help me reflect.
    Happy Birth Day to you as well!

  • painted maypole


    very sweet

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