Yesterday my baby boy celebrated his 50th birthday. How can that be? Where have all those years gone?
It seems only yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital to the delight of his big sister. She was enthralled/entranced with this little person and was convinced that I brought him home especially for her. She doted on this tiny being; was concerned if he ever cried; made sure he had his favourite toys at all times and rarely left his side when he was awake. She was always the first to go to him when he awoke.
Through the years they had the usual sibling rivalry and yes, some quarrels but each always knew they could rely on the other when the need arose. When my daughter decided to leave New Zealand on her own for some overseas experience (although of course, she had been away many times with us as a family) people asked my son how he would cope without his sister.
Things changed; time moved on; they moved on. They met and married their partners and produced children of their own. I see the same kind of loyalty in each of their families. They each have two sons and those sons are displaying the same kind of attachment that my children had with each other.
We used to think that ours were particularly close because we had dragged them around the world with us, dropping them into schools and situations that they had not experienced before. We thought that because they relied on each other at these times, the bond between them was made stronger.
But watching the grandchildren I am now convinced that the family bond is there right from the beginning. I do know that I have this strong bond with my two sisters.
So Happy 50th my darling. I hope you have many more birthdays to share with us.
I choose how I will spend the rest of my life 
I’m concerned that, living in the lower half of the world, (whereamong other things, water runs the wrong way down the bath drain) — well, somehow this has affected your ability to count the years — there is no way I’m old enough to have a 50-year-old rephew. Perhaps he is only 30?
Happy Birthday, darling boy.
God bless, Christine
ps. love that ‘photo — we certainly do make beautiful babies.
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Yers we make beautiful babies and yes, they grow up into beautiful people. And water runs the wrong way down the drain – I think it’s only where you live that that’s the case. 🙂
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When the kids are entering their 7th decade it sure makes you think. Father, 89, frequently utters that he is getting old. I tell him “Da, you’ve been old for 20 years”
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I don’t know how I can be old enough to have a 50 year old son. I only feel 50 myself.
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I have been reminded many times of late of the amazing strength of family ties. Happy birthday to your son and happy memories to you.
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Yes the memories are really special and I shall continue to collect them as the years go on.
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Oh my goodness! What an adorable picture, Judith. I hope I am still living when my boys (ages 6 and 7) celebrate their 50th birthday. I’ll be nearing my 90s when their milestone arrives.
Happiest birthday wishes to your son!
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I look at my children now and can hardly believe they were ever that small. Look after those adorable boys Lenore Diane and make memories each day for when they are grown and live away from you.
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How can he be getting older when you don’t? I hope I’m still around to see my baby turn 50, Hope your son had a happy birthday!
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I always tell people that I am not old enough to have children of that age and that they came with their father. This final statement is true – I didn’t have any children until I met and married him!
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Many happy returns to your son. It does get scary when the kids start getting older. It’s nice to hear about the close family bond. I take it for granted in our family but I have learned that not everyone has that. Love the picture!
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Thanks Darlene. Children grow up and grow apart but the bond is always there.
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Hope he had a great birthday! My daughter (an only child) has six, and they are very close.
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We all enjoyed his birthday. Thanks Patti
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Once you get to 30 you’re allowed to choose whatever age you want to be each year … turning 40 is a doddle – it just happens overnight … but once you get to 50 you don’t get any older – you just live for more years. 🙂
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I remember being in a funk when I had my 30th – oh how long ago that was. Now I just go along with the years and they get better as you get older.
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Lovely post, Judith. That photo of them is DARLING. Happy Birthday to you “baby” boy. 😀
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Thanks Nancy – hard to believe he is 50!
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I always loved that photo. These little people are all grown up as you say scary.
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Yes all grown up and it is so many years ago that they were these delightful babies.
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