Wednesday, September 21, 2011

wings

13 years ago today I became a mother.
Thirteen years ago my first child came into the world. From his very first moments he began teaching me lessons I didn't even know I had to learn. This boy of ours continues to be one of our greatest teachers. I'm so grateful for his brilliance, enthusiasm, curiosity, and sensitivity. Embarking on raising a teen feels a bit like those early days of parenting when the world looked so new and we desperately hoped that we'd get it right. Luckily, he can talk now... and let us know what he needs.

Today we will celebrate his birth with his favorite chocolate cake (that's in the oven!) and honor his growth by letting him fly... literally. He has been passionate about flight and planes since he was two. His walls are covered with air crafts. He speaks a language that only pilots truly understand. Today, if the weather holds out, that airplane-lover will get into a cockpit of a 4 seater that is not parked in a museum, but on a real runway. With the assistance of the pilot, he'll fly over our town and the lake he knows so well. Oh sweet boy... we give you your wings! Happy Birthday! Pin It

21 comments:

  1. What a memorable birthday for him! In those 13 years you've obviously become a very thoughtful and loving mother (and not just because you bake cakes and think of great presents). Happy birthday to your first born!

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  2. a major milestone in many ways- happy birthday- to both of you!

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  3. Oh how exciting for him, what wonders he will see. Most happy birthday to your son. xox

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  4. Wow! what an exciting day he will NEVER forget! Happy Birthday to him, and happy birthing day to you( a day YOU will never forget...)
    emily

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  5. Aw, beautiful photo and what a gift! Happy day to you all.

    Becca

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  6. Happy Birthing Day, Miss Maya! What a gift to give - the gift to soar and dream.

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  7. I'm writing/ typing this through tears. What a beautiful gift and metaphor, the gift of wings. May his day be all that he wishes and happy birthing day to you Maya. What a beautiful journey we are all on as mamas. Turbulence and all.

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  8. A Happy Happy Year Ahead to that sweet aviator of yours... can't wait to hear all about it!!!!!

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  9. What a wonderful day for you all! Congratulations!
    If you give your son wings then do I have to give my son wheels for his birthday?!? He's been dreaming about and saving for a Corvette since he was 4! Ack! :o)
    ~ joey ~

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  10. My first born boy is 13 too and delightful in every way - must have been a vintage year! Happy Birthday to your aviator - and as someone who is 6 months ahead I can tell you 13 is good, have fun! :D

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  11. blessed be-- what a smart boy-o to choose you as his mama ..

    xoxoxo, E

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  12. What a beautiful gift..you are truly a brave woman. Congratulations...how exciting!

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  13. The years just fly, don't they? I bet he is absolutely stoked! I have been in both a 2 seater and a 4 seater where I got to take control for a bit - and it was exhilarating! I hope he has a bliss filled day.

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  14. Birthday wishes to your young man, Maya. I love that you are truly giving him wings to explore.

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  15. What a sweet birthday wish to your boy. It puts a smile on my face to "see the love", so to speak. Lucky little man.

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  16. Happy happy day! What a lovely present! I also grew up feeling so connected to all things aviation. Not that you are interested in the commute or sending your dear child up in the air, but I grew up nearby in Big Flats, NY and spent my childhood flying sailplanes on Harris Hill. If he were interested, he could go up for q ride or even take lessons (very cheap for junior members) and solo as early as his 14th birthday. Flying gliders is beautiful and safe and an amazing way to connect with the air, much in the same way that a sailboat connects one with the surroundings far more than a motored craft. Many of my friends I flew with went on to become pilots, astronauts (Eileen Collins), and rocket scientists. My experience was so magical and taught me so much about respect for a craft and responsibility for my actions. I can't recommend the experience enough.

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  17. What a lovely post! As the mother of a 3 year old son (and a baby daughter) I have another 10 years to reach this milestone. Your post gave me plenty of things to look forward to!

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  18. happy birthing day to you! what an exciting way to celebrate!

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  19. Beautiful words Maya!
    My girl will be turning 9 on Sunday! I love reflecting back to her birth as I make preparations for the special day!

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  20. happy birthday to YOU sweet sister! a day on, does your heart still ache in a good way? i bet tonight he's a baby all over again - but tomorrow there's that young man to do all your chores for you! sending you so much love at this oh-so-momentus threshold. i love you! mai

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  21. Hi Maya,

    I just came across your post and just mention that perhaps your son would love to attend the Air Force Academy for college. Every cadet gets to fly sailplanes, solo in Cessnas and most who are medically qualified, can become pilots after graduation. I grew up in upstate NY and went to the Air Force Academy--the first person in my high school (and town) to ever do so. I just wanted to mention the idea, just in case he wasn't aware of the amazing opportunities the Service Academies afford.

    Maureen
    p.s. I was at Squam with you although unfortunately, we didn't meet.

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