Oh my goodness. I cannot believe how long it has been since I last blogged. There really isn't much of an excuse.

I have been sick with different things since Christmas. It's enough to get a girl down. I'm not completely well but at least the pain is more bearable and I am hoping to be pain free soon. The sooner the better if you ask me.

Today is my son Tom's birthday. I met Tom when he was 4 years old. He was such a sweet little boy who just wanted a family. He was so loving and cuddly. He told his father that he wanted me as his new mother before Patrick and I ever talked about marriage. For years he was convinced that Patrick and I married because of him.

I became Tom's stepmother just before his 5th birthday. He was so happy when we got married. That meant he finally had his family. He was bursting with joy when we bought our first house and he got to pick out his room. In fact, when we bought the house, the man at the closing had Tom sign his name on a piece of paper because it was going to be his home too. That's when we really became a family in Tom's eyes.

That sweet little boy that I would walk to and from school until he felt he was big enough to walk alone. That one was hard. Or the little boy that excitedly volunteered his mother to help the teacher because all I did was sit home and watch TV until he got home from school.

I don't quite know exactly when I stopped being a stepmother and Tom stopped being a stepson. It happened quickly and our bond was special. Afterall, he and I had found each other and we picked each other out. In no time I was his mom and he was my son. That has never changed.

Tom did think that we needed a baby to make our family complete. He spent over a year petting my tummy and asking if there was a baby in there. When I was able to tell him yes he was thrilled. He was finally getting his little brother or sister. He was so proud when Missy was born. He brought all his little friends over to see her. Of course the newness wore off quickly but deep down he was always crazy about her. He still is.

That sweet little boy has grown into a young man that I am very proud of. He was grown a lot and it has not always been easy. He has had to overcome a lot but he has done it. He is a good husband and a wonderful caring person.

I will forever be grateful to Patricia for giving birth to that little boy 38 years ago. Without her I would never have had my son.

Tom, you and I have been on quite a journey the last 33 years. It hasn't always been easy. There have been some bumpy roads. A lot of laughter and some tears. We've both grown along the way. Thank you for letting me be with you on this journey. I am proud to call you my son.