~A MOTHER'S BLESSING~ LOVE TO MY SON

DEDICATION DAY, APRIL 1982

From as far back as I can remember I wanted to be a Momma. It is hard for me to believe that this year I celebrated my 27th Mother's Day...seems like it was just yesterday that I held my children in my arms or was a crazy-busy Mom of toddlers. The years flew by and when I wasn't looking my tiny children grew up...

The photograph above was taken in Irving, Texas on the Sunday my hubbs and I had our son, Brandon Kent, Dedicated. I know the picture is grainy and poor...but I'm thankful to have it. The original photo was lost many years ago and only a damaged negative survived. I was thrilled when I discovered it last year and was grateful a print could be made of one of the most special days in my life.

I actually remember that April day very well. The morning was bright and sunny and my Mr. AGPMan and I were excited to have his parents join us for the beautiful, sacred ceremony we had planned for our first born. As our Pastor lifted our son up to heaven he prayed a simple but meaningful prayer for God to guide his every step. He asked God to anoint his life, keep him healthy and strong and to ultimately bring him to a place of total dependency on Him. He also prayed for my hubbs and I that we would walk a Godly life and teach Brandon to do the same.

Our son indeed grew up and has a very blessed life. As a child he was a feisty, curious, extremely intelligent little boy and one I easily fell in love with from the second I laid my eyes on his chubby cheeks and soft brown hair. I prayed for over 3 years for a child to call my own and I've always been grateful to God for sending me such an amazing son.

BRANDON, AGE 4

I heard it said once that God allows the sometimes tough "breaking away teenage years" of child's life to take place because without them parents would never be able to allow their children to leave the safety of their nests. I believe this to be true... for our Brandon was our child who couldn't wait to spread his wings and soar. With a free spirit and a calling designed by a loving God, he did just that. When others said "he couldn't"...Brandon always knew "he could". I'm quite sure I'll be long in the ground before he truly understands how very much I have loved him.

Not long after Brandon's birth I penned the following poem in his honor of the very child who gave my life breath. I'm blessed to share it with you...

DANCING WITH BRANDON 2006

"CHILDLIKE FAITH"

I felt you stir within my body
And I knew the hour had come
I was frightened by this confrontation
And prayed to find comfort in my Master

The pain increased to an unbearable pitch
And in my heart I knew
A miracle was needed

Secretly I knew you were my son
Forever being my first born
And I, your mother

I remember how I'd prayed for you
How from the beginning
You were not mine
But, His

I felt my flesh tear from my soul
As we tried to save you
My mouth was parched
My body was weary

My faith was failing
It was then I knew
He was helping me to
Safely deliver my cargo

With newfound strength I held you
Knowing you'd been taken
From my body unwillingly

Now you are safe within my arms
You can find refuge there
Forever

Rebecca Nelson/1982

I will always remember your tiny hand held tightly in mine, Brandon Kent. Thank you for all the years of sharing your sweet, tender spirit with me and for the gift of your life. It is my prayer for you that you will always remember to allow God to go before all you do and say...I trust every single day for Him to guide your every thought and every step. He has such big plans for you...

Blessings to you as you rejoice in the gifts He has given...and in anticipation for those you have yet to receive...Rebecca