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We recently celebrated my son’s seventh birthday. I marvel – wow, seven years, where did the time go? And I cry, realizing my first born is no longer a baby, but a self-assured boy with a big heart and great inner spirit.
So, what did we do to celebrate?
We didn’t go jump on those bouncy bounce thingys. You know the party places I mean, with the large inflatable structures, where the music is loud and thumping, and makes you wish you’d taken a precautionary pain killer. Where you hope your little one doesn’t get stuck or hurt while jumping and you have to climb into aforesaid inflatables, without any shred of dignity, to rescue them. At which point, you realize you have no flexibility whatsoever and promise yourself to get out and dust off the yoga mat!
No, we had fun doing that most American of all pastimes, bowling. Fifteen kids, ten pins and heavy bowling balls – yes, taking a risk, I know, but everyone survived and had the utmost of fun. It was heartwarming to hear peals of laughter and loud “high five,” especially when someone got a strike or a spare.
Then, what would a party be without the joy of cheese and sugar overloaded kids after their consumption of the traditional birthday fare of pizza, juice boxes and cake. It never fails to amaze me how children can eat florescent green and galactic blue frosting with such gusto while we parents shy away from its stain inducing and sticky powers.
As I think about my son (and my daughter, for that matter), I can’t help but wax lyrical about them. Forgive me, if children aren’t your thing and indulge me as I reminisce. I feel very blessed to be a mother, remembering dark and painful days, when it seemed impossible for me to have children.
My journey as a mother has, therefore, been profound and I'm changed forever. And that journey started in the Capital District, NY. I have much to be grateful to the Capital District for, from the excellent medical professionals, who worked with me, to my loving friends, who encouraged me to never give up.
Now, after this recent party, I reflect on the pleasure of new friends, new activities, new memories and a new chapter in my journey.
Life is amazing, if we live it, good and bad. Yes, there are times when I feel lonely; yes, I miss my family far away; yes, I miss my friends and hated to say goodbye, but I can’t live in sadness and regret because that isn’t living.
I have to look at my situation with unclouded eyes and see how truly blessed I am with a family of my own and the chance to experience new directions and new opportunities.
I’ve learned that it’s good to stop and truly look at your situation, instead of rushing forward and thinking you’re lacking, particularly on days when the news, at home and far away, is horrible – catastrophic accidents, loss of life, dire economics and somebody rear ending your car!
As we share our joys and sorrows, let’s also celebrate our victories, because, I truly believe, a victory for one is a victory for all.
SUSAN S. CHEUNG
Susan is a writer originally from London, England. She moved to Nashville, Tenn. in July 2008 when her husband accepted a position at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
The family relocated after eight years in Guilderland, New York. And now they’ve make their home in Franklin, Tenn., where she has discovered that new friends can be found in the most unlikely of places and you never know who you will meet in your everyday conversations.
