Happy 23rd Birthday Daniel

Wings of Watercolor

I painted wings of watercolor on your arms to help you fly
As I held your arm it hit me that too soon you’d really try
And you’ll fly away without me for those wings will be your own
But your watercolor memories will always be at home

Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
Never release the rememberings
Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
The colorful swirls that the brush brings

I painted wings of watercolor and I looked into your eyes
And I deeply breathed this moment that took me by surprise
It was like so many others and will be like many more
But this watercolor moment was first of yours to soar

Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
Never release the rememberings
Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
The colorful swirls that the brush brings

I painted wings of watercolor, it was many years ago
And I so enjoyed those moments, how much you’ll never know
I will always be your mother, you will always be my boy
And your wings pretend or grown up will always bring me joy

Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
Never release the rememberings
Red and blue wings, childhood’s sweet things,
The colorful swirls that the brush brings

Happy 23rd Birthday Daniel - I love you

I'm sending my oldest son off to Ethiopia tonight. He's going to be an intern for a wonderful non-profit organization (Ascend) for 2 months and he's going to be working his butt off. He's an International Relations major and he wants to help improve policies and education in third world countries, so this is right up his alley. It's an amazing opportunity for him. It will probably be a life changing opportunity for him. I'm just doing the nervous mom thing. And from Ethiopia, he'll fly to London for another 2 month internship - this one with BYU, and a more political focused internship. Another great opportunity. And okay I admit it - our family is jealous he's going to England (and Scotland!) without us. London was hard enough, but Scotland hit below the belt! Anyway, I love this boy. LOVE HIM. And am so proud of him. How can a mother not be proud of a son who wants to help the world? I'm just tired of saying goodbye to him. When he was in Argentina for 2 years... OY. But again, such amazing experiences. So it's hard. As a mother you're always torn. You love where his wings are taking him. You just love it when his wings bring him home too, and wish that happened a little more often. But that's why they have wings. And that's why you have all these precious memories, to keep in your heart when they're out there using their beautiful wings.