What a special birthday!
Tuesday, Feb. 20th, was my birthday. Jonathan, playing his last home game as a Senior before the playoffs had prepared a special dedication to his step-mother, Heather. Jonathan and Heather have become wonderfully close over the past year, as Heather's love has gone a long way in healing my son's wonderful, but very wounded heart. Jonathan is smart, (honor roll), funny, and, in the opinion of many of us, his team's Most Valuable Player. He plays with grit, determination, can skate, score, and led the team in penalty minutes, putting a scare in the opposition on every shift. Even the coach honored him by having the announcer read that Jonathan is a leader in the lockerroom as well as on the ice. It was moving.
During the dedication, he skated over and embraced his step-mom, and gave her the rose, publically thanking her for her support. She was very nervous getting up in front of a crowd, and did her best to hold back tears. She loves Jonathan dearly and thinks that he is one of the brightest spots in her life. At 17, Jonathan felt unwanted. What a difference a year makes! He knows his value to us, and how deeply he is loved and respected. Although neither Heather nor I want him to go away to college, we are respecting his decision as a young adult. He has earned that with his mature behavior this past year. We will miss him terribly, but will look forward to holidays with him coming home to us. Last night, all of these emotions ran together for Heather------it was a magical night. She felt so undeserving of the honor that Jonathan bestowed upon her, but accepted it graciously. It is something she will never forget.
Afterwards, all the parents were together for a group picture, which we will purchase and treasure. I was never so proud of Heather and so proud to be standing next to her on the ice. One day, Jonathan will tell his children about this wonderful woman, and the wonderful year he spent living with us. He is moving out next August for college, but if Heather has her way, he will eventually return home and transfer to a local school. One day, Jonathan will bring his children to Heather to help him and his wife raise them in the Christian faith, not only knowing the faith, but sacrificially living the faith the way Heather does, day in, and day out.
I asked Jonathan to score a goal for my birthday. He obliged like the obedient son he is. We had a wonderful time at the game and afterwards got together for my favorite cake (ice box cake...it is second only to Bern's chocalate cake with vanilla icing that she MUST give Heather the recipe for!) and opened presents. I had receieved some incredibly artistic photos from Bern (one of which is already hanging) warm wishes from Heather's family, music books for my renewed love of guitar from Beth, a wonderful collage of pictures from Sarah and Jonathan of all the fun we had this winter, a cutting board from Joseph to stop me from carving up the counter (Heather...) and some sweat pants; apparently to stop me from wandering downstairs in my boxers! All in all, it was a magical night with the people I love best. Pete was in Portland, but was present in spirit, as he had a wonderful picture on the ice rink in his famous NY Rangers' jersey!
thanks to all! It was a special night for all of us. 45 years young.............
