May your wishes all come true

Today, Liam inches closer to manhood and a little farther away from boyhood.  I've been racking my brain, trying to think of sage words to offer him on this big 8th birthday.  I can't seem to come up with anything solid, something with meat on its bone that he can relish, understand and most all, not roll his eyes at (yes, he is starting to do this) because his sentimental mom still insists on gushing over him and smothering him with hugs and kisses on his birthday.  Recently, this same boy has told his dad that he doesn't think I should kiss him good-bye when I drop him off at school in the mornings because "what if one of his friends sees?"  Sigh.  Thankfully, hugs are still acceptable.

Flipping through XM radio in Dave's car the other day (we had just dropped him off at SFO airport), I came across the song "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan.  Listening to it, I found myself singing along and at the end of the song, I knew these lyrics were exactly what I had been wanting to say to Liam.  He may not understand them today, but one day, when he hears this song, he'll understand what I was feeling the day he turned eight.

 

Happy 8th Birthday, Liam!  I will always smother you with hugs and kisses, no matter how it embarrasses you or makes your eyes roll. 

"Forever Young"

by Bob Dylan

May God bless and keep you always 

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others 

And let others do for you

May you build a ladder to the stars 

And climb on every rung

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young 

May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous 

May you grow up to be true

May you always know the truth 

And see the lights surrounding you

May you always be courageous 

Stand upright and be strong

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young 

May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy 

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation 

When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful 

And may your song always be sung

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young 

May you stay forever young.