The Most Important Job I'll Ever Have

19 years ago today I signed on for the most important, and perhaps the toughest job I'll ever have: MOTHER.

On July 29, 1990 at 8:23 a.m. (Iowa time) Carson made his appearance in this world. A month early, he was so tiny that he wore preemie clothes that looked more like doll clothes. Yet today he is strong, healthy and you would never guess that he was in a hurry to arrive. Perhaps that "hurry" has translated to his speed on the track!

Babies don't come with instruction books or an owner's manual, and so it is truly on-the-job training. Some days were easy, some were tough. However somehow we have managed to raise him in a way that people around him enjoy his company. He is kind, caring and compassionate, he does well in school, and he is a tough competitor. He has developed interests in cars, fishing, running, and cards. He is friends with a wide group of people - I am amazed at his ability to interact with those around him. He bought an extra fishing pole so that he could take along a friend, and is introducing the sport to new people!

I know that as we send him off to Purdue this fall he is armed with the knowledge that his parents, family and friends love him very much and are proud of him.

So today I will bask in the knowledge that this most important job will never end and the rewards are many.