Today is Phillip's 21st Birthday!

Today is Phillip's 21st birthday!  

I woke up this morning thinking of Phil, he is at NNU.  I was defiantly missing him today. I decided to send him a text and when he texted me back, I noticed the time... it kinda freaked me out, it was the exact time he was born 21 years ago.  That was pretty cool! 

Anyway, I have talked to him several times today, he called when he was opening his present, that made me very happy in many ways. 1. That his package made it to him on time! 2. Was he thought to call me as he was opening it and got to share that moment with me!

So it seems all the things we put in the box worked, he liked and all in all was just right.  So that makes a gift so much better knowing he liked it!

I have thought of him in so many ways today, to the moment he was born to the funny things he used to say when he was little and the way he loved these mini gummy bears (they were in the package!) I love remembering the way he used to run, always with one arm tight to his side pumping back and forth as to help him move swiftly right along.  I have remembered so many other days as he has been growing up to this milestone day.  But one thing I am so blessed by as a mother is the fact I don't feel like I have to worry about him going to a bar just because he is "21" and can drink till he is completely wiped out!  My thoughts on this remind me of a interview I saw a few weeks ago I was watching the today show.  A mother of a "21"year old son", was on the show telling her story about how her son went to a bar when he turned "21" and was pressed to do the "21-shots" of hard liquor! He was with friends, of sorts, I can't imagine what kind of friends would encourage someone to drink 21 shots in an hour, he went home, was very out of it, his mom knew what he had done and the so-called friends he was with still just thought what she needed to do was hold the bucket for when he threw up, well he passed out and they put him to bed, he never regained consciencness and with in a few hours he actually died from alcohol poisoning!  I think the Mom was on the today show to Help make parents aware of the "21 shots club" that goes on when young adults turn 21, but it was really sad, it made me sad, she didn't take him to the ER, she didn't give him caution before he went out "partying with friends" that night, so I think it is as much of the parents fault as her son's.  Parents are supposed to model what they teach their children and hopefully when they finally turn 21, they will have seen enough good examples that have been set before them and have enough sense to know what is right and what is not, to make wise choices and to realize what they do makes a difference and to encourage them to make mature decisions.  Then at that point, when they do turn 21, it won't be all about turning a "legal drinking age" ; it will be more about reaching a milestone in life that leads to a long full responsible life with many more important decisions to make, like career, marriage, children, family... health, happiness and the the full pursuit of all life has to offer.  

So this post is about voicing my opinion, also sharing a little of my thoughts.  So this has been my thoughts for the past week.  I am very proud of Phil, he is an amazing son, with many amazing paths yet to go down.  So here's to you Phil and the pathway to the rest of your life!  

I Love you Son!