This is a picture David took of my youngest son this summer. We were on a trip to the mountains and spent an evening at the lake watching the sunset. Seeing this picture of my son being so carefree makes my heart burst with happiness.

 

This boy has come so far. Actually, I feel like that is an understatement. This boy, that was filled with rage, anger and even had some depression after his dad died, he is beginning to love life again. He is finally able to be a kid again.

 

His dad died right after his 8th birthday. The year that followed he wasn’t able to be a normal eight year old boy. His life was consumed by memorials, events, visitors, a flood, moving numerous times and not to mention… having a mom that was a hot mess.

 

Through all of this his anger increased. He went through a time where he hated me. He had to blame someone for his crappy life and I was the one who was always there to be blamed. He went through a time where he would have nightmares, was afraid to go to sleep at night and hated going to school. His rage was even scary at times. 

 

It has taken the grace of God, lots of prayer, therapy, love, patience, support of my family and friends, and David, his dad on earth, to help get my boy to where he is today.

 

Now when he gets angry it’s because he’s mad at his brother, or he’s angry over discipline he’s received and I will take this “normal” any day over the grief-stricken rage he struggled with in the last two years after Mike’s death. 

 

My precious boy is now ten and once again enjoys playing basketball, baseball and video games. He pretty much behaves like an ordinary, hyper, ornery ten year old boy. Yet, this crazy kid makes me laugh like no one else.  Of course, he will always struggle through rough patches of emotions that stem from losing his dad, but he now has the tools to deal with them in a much healthier way.

 

This picture shows more than just a kid walking on a log that’s in the water. This picture shows bravery, strength, growth, maturity, and resilience. I am so proud of my boy. He will have a story to tell someday.