To the Man of My Life now, You Keep Me Going

My Bubba,

You made me lucky enough to be a mom.

I thought I had lost the only baby I’d ever have.

You’re the only man in my life now buddy.

You’re the kid who flips me the bird when you’re mad about something, and you’re the first one to apologize when the dust settles.

You write me notes and push them under my bathroom door.

You got up before me and made my Mother’s Day card and gave it to me. You referenced all of our little inside jokes and nicknames that we call each other.

You always offer to share your snacks. In the evening when you get a string cheese stick out of the fridge, you bring me one too. I always eat it, even if I’m not hungry.

You’re all heart, kid.

When we hear an ambulance, you pause to pray for the health and safety of whoever the sick or injured is. It breaks your heart to see animals mistreated.

And you always express sadness when you see trash on the side of the road.

You never forget to say grace before you eat. Whether it’s pop tarts, Thanksgiving dinner or ice cream, you always give thanks.

You have the cutest expressions. You call the clothes that you wear to the store, the park or maw maws, ‘ready clothes’. It’s the sweetest thing.

You’ve been making your bed every morning for 6 weeks, even when you’ve been sick, and it’s the most precious thing ever.

You’re the only one who can get away with saying “mommy your breath stinks. But I love you”.

I remember from the time you were really little, I wrote you notes while you slept in your nursery just across the hall. I told you that even though we had just spent every second of our day together,that you were right across the hall from me and I could hear you breathing without even using the monitor.

I missed you.

My arms felt empty and I felt chilly without your warm squishy body close to mine.

We’ve been through a lot, you and me. Since we lost Dad, it’s been rough seas every day. I’ve wanted to give up and crawl in the grave with him more times than I’m brave enough to admit.

But you’re my saving grace.

You’re my dancing in the kitchen partner, movie watching, popcorn eating, bug hunting buddy. My inside joke teller.

I know your insides. I know your heart.

We’ve weathered many a storm, you and me.

But you remind me why I’m still here, and why I need to stay.

You’re my pinkie promise maker, teenage mouthy back talking challenger, and you show me how amazing and brilliant you are. Every. Single. Day.

There is no limit to what you can do.

And if you and your future wife still want to live with me, like you told me a short time back, then I’ll consider it an honor.

You keep Dad’s memory alive.

And I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that he’s absolutely beaming from where he’s sitting watching you.

You’re my hero. You work harder than anyone else I know. I love you to the moon and back. You hold my whole heart in the palm of your hand.

As silly as it may sound, you really are the wind beneath my wings. And you’re teaching me how to fly.

See ya later, ya big baboon.

Your Bubba

Written by, Jodi Kelley

Jodi Kelley and her son live in Chillicothe, Ohio, where you can experience all four seasons in one 24 hour period! She’s a homeschooling mama, and she loves to cook and create. These days, she’s trying to navigate the new life of being a single parent to her special needs son after suddenly losing her husband and partner of 12 years in October 2020. She hopes to spread both autism awareness and addiction/mental health awareness and acceptance. She has a side gig that she hopes will soon grow into a job that will provide for her and her son. You can follow Jodi and her journey at In Pieces and JK”S Journey.

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Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.