As I sit here I ponder on so many different things. Yeah, it may be only 7:30 am, and I may be ready to go back to bed. But today is a special day for me. I have a child that is celebrating a birthday. My Mikey is 12 years old today! WOW, how time flies! First I would like to say that I love my children all equally, as mothers should. I remember the whole pregnancy experience with each and everyone of them. But of course you never forget your first child. I can still remember it like it was yesterday. Seeing that little face look up at me when I was finally alone with this little man. I saw something in him that I never saw before. Something innocent and pure. I looked into his eyes and knew he was going to be special. I gave birth to Michael Christopher Edward Cato on January 8, 1996 at approximately 7:10 pm. Today, I know that from the very start Mikey and I had this bond. As we rode in the ambulance through a terrible snow storm on that cold West Virginia winter night, I could feel his pain just as I know somehow he was feeling mine. As both of us were having our ups and downs physically, we had something that a single person could take away. God was there. He gave me this perfect little 6 lb. 15 oz baby boy. I had no prenatal care and he was born with only me to assist. I went on to be healthy and to have to opportunity to have more children. Those 9 months were single handedly one of the hardest times in my life. I can't even begin to explain all of the emotions I had during that time. But once the smoke cleared and I realized what was before me, I couldn't help but to feel so blessed. I did, however, ask the question a million times, "Why me? Why now?" Being 17 was hard enough, but throw a baby into the mix, that is serious. I consider myself one of the "lucky ones" because I wasn't left raising Mikey on my own. He forever has had his Dad, and I forever grateful.
Mikey is an extraordinary person. He is unique and special in his own way. I see him growing stronger each and everyday. I have enjoyed seeing him grow and mature into this young man that I only imagined in my mind when he was only a baby. I am proud of the stands he takes and how much love he has for others. Mikey may be small in size, but his heart is bigger than the biggest man in the world. I can't put into words how much he has been there for me. He lets me know he cares when he hugs me at random moments just to let me know, "Hey Mom, it's okay. Don't worry about us." He knows I do. He is very smart and I know someday he is going to make someone very happy! Mikey is a good friend and he is loyal. I can't imagine my life without him, or my other kids for that matter. I am blessed beyond measure.
If you would have asked me when I had Mikey if I would have the kids I have today I would have thought you were crazy. My life was so unclear at that time. But today I have life once again growing ever so rapidly inside of me. Funny how things work, huh? What an amazing journey I have had. I feel so fortunate to be able to have as many kids as I have had. Even my 2 angel babies are in my thoughts. Today I am happy to be a Mom. I know that having a 12 year old will bring many new adventures. But to be honest with you I embrace them. I actually can't wait. I know that sounds funny, but I am going to love traveling down the road ahead and helping not only Mikey, but my other children become what they want to be.
Happy Birthday Mikey! I love you!!!
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