This is the fourth blog post in my series titled “A Summer of Gratitude.” I’ve already talked about my husband, my mom and dad, my sister and brother, and now I’m going to write about my first-born son, Garrison. I am so thankful for Garrison!
This is the boy that made me a mom on July 14, 1998. Boy, that was 26 years and two days ago! How can that be possible? How can he be 26, and how can I be 51? So much has changed since then, but one thing has not changed: how much I love this kid! When I was pregnant with Garrison, I had no idea what being a mom was going to be like, as I’m sure most moms can relate. The fierce, intense love that grew as he was growing inside of me has never lessened. It’s not like when your child turns 18 you just go, “See ya, kid,” and they leave the nest and never return. He will always, always, always be my son, my little boy, my first born. The mama bear analogy is true!
Garrison was an easy baby; God really blessed me as a first-time mom! He wasn’t fussy; he slept well; he ate well; he didn’t get into much. I’d put him on the little blanket in the middle of our tiny front room, and he’d sit and play with toys and look at books and smile. How easy is that! He was also a sensitive boy with a gentle spirit. Garrison was a little over two years old when his brother was born, and Jamison was ornery. He would take a toy and hit Garrison on the head with it, and then he’d run away, laughing. Garrison would never retaliate or try to hurt his brother–that was his “Jaby,” a cross between “Jamison” and “baby.”
Even as a teenager and young adult, Garrison has been easy to parent. He has always been mature for his age, and he often gives me advice. In fact, more than once, he has reminded me that worrying is silly because God has it all in control. He is wise beyond his years, this one! I’m so proud of him, and I love him more than the sun, and the moon, and the stars in the sky. God knew what He was doing when He gave me Garrison as my first-born son, and for that, I am very grateful! Because of Garrison, I have grown to love all things related to Star Wars, Grogu in particular! I also enjoy knowing more about the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites, and I love to hear him talk about the things he enjoys as his eyes light up and the smile spreads across his face. It reminds me of when he was 5 years old and he wanted to write a book series about “Little Rabbit,” but he couldn’t write yet, so he had me be his scribe, and he drew the pictures to go along with the books. I was proud of him then, and I'm amazingly proud of him now!
I love the Psalms as they have so much praise and rejoicing in them! Psalm 118:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” God is so good, and I am grateful for being blessed to be the mom of Garrison, my Garr Bear!
Here are a few pictures I want to share with you:
This is a recent picture of the two of us in a grocery store. I had just pushed a button to make the cow on the wall talk and sing. Garrison was thrilled with me!
This picture is when Garrison was about 4 or 5. We were at an outdoor event in Gillette, WY, and Garrison had his face painted and was drinking a red snow cone. It was a great day!
This picture was taken in the summer of 2023–Garrison is on top of the world!
For over twenty-six years I’ve been his mom, and I have loved every minute of it! I thank you, Lord, for blessing me with Garrison!
Thanks for reading, friends.
Love,
Julie
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