5 years

Read this one first.
http://yourchicanapresident.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-soldier.html

A 5 year reflection

Well, son,
Things didn’t turn out the way I planned

The things I had hoped you would learn
From Sammy and I
Patience and respect
Well,
You weren’t going to learn them
With us together

So, I took you and your brother
Out of that situation
Because the dreams I had for you

They were dying there

And here we stand

5 years from your birth

And you
Are amazing

You remind me of me
So much
So eager to learn
And to lead
So smart
And curious

And we have a new dad
He’s a good one
And you really love him
Remember this in 10 years
When he embarrasses you
In front of your friends

You admire him
And you should
He’s a good man
And a good example for you

And your dad and I
We try to feed your brain as much as we can
But I know we bore you sometimes
But we love you
And appreciate you so much

You give us a lot more then you’ll ever know

I had hopes when you were born
About war
And violence
And not much has changed m’ijo

The last combat troops were sent home from Iraq in August of 2010
But it seems like we’ll be sending them some where else soon

And I work
At a non profit
Helping victims of violence

So, the world could be better
But it could be so much worse

You have changed my life
For the past 5 years
I’ve continued to grow with you
And as this year for us comes to a close
I’m impressed by all we’ve accomplished

You and I
We’ve been through it all, Eli
You have been there
When so many have faltered
And I
Try not to love you too much for this
It hasn’t been easy for you either
But you son, are a trooper
And you are strong
Even when you shouldn’t have to be
And I’m sorry that you’ve had to be

And now when I see you
Vulnerable
Like today when you cried for your daddy in my arms
I still want to give you the world
Or at least what you’re asking for
Because you ask for so little

You are a great big brother
Te das tanto carino y amor a tus hermanitos
And no one can teach you that
You just do

I am a little more grown now
Then I was this time last year
I never thought I was too young when I had you
But now as we grow together I do see
That I had
And I have
Much more to learn
And thank you for helping me do it

And you son
You are so funny
You have a brilliant sense of humor
It’s probably because you are so smart
But your grasp of sarcasm is impressive for such a young child
And your ability to make the adults around you
Honestly laugh at jokes
Is amazing

I just wanted to say ”thank you
For choosing me
To come through unto life to be
A beautiful reflection of his grace
Because your love is one
Only God could create.”
I wouldn’t be the same without you
Here’s to 5 years and another 5 more.