I’ve made many mistakes in my life. Some, I wish I could take back. Yet two changed my life forever and gave me my biggest blessings, my sons.
Today, I will not focus on those errors, or even who I selected as the fathers. Today, I will forget the former things; I will not dwell on the past.
Today, my heart is full.
Today, I am celebrating one of the things that came out right. I am celebrating my son, Karl, and how far he has come. Not because of anything that I did. I am far from perfect. My parenting skills are flawed. He received lots of bruises, cuts and scrapes, as well as, stitches while in my care. I made many mistakes along the way; however, the one thing I know I did right was love. I loved my son, unconditionally, unabashedly, through the good and the bad. I loved him with the fierceness of a lioness, ready to fight for her cub. And fight I did.
It was love that motivated my every deed. My parenting skills may have seemed unorthodox at times, particularly within my familia/family, where chancletasos/spankings were common and machismo was very much alive. I believed in time-outs and inventive punishments. I also believed that boys could step outside that “machismo” box, to talk about their feelings, to feel comfortable enough to cry, to know that they could, and should, experience every single emotion, not just anger, without feeling condemned.
Karl has come a long way, a very, very long way. I won’t go into the issues. They aren’t my story to tell. However, I will say I almost lost him to the streets, to his friends, to his anger. Thankfully, we found an anchor during that time. Karl found Christ. He changed Karl. He changed us all. He made a difference in our lives. Because my love, a Mother’s love, could never have filled that hole Karl felt inside, no matter how hard I tried.
It wasn’t easy. Karl and I had many hurdles to overcome. Many times I thought we wouldn’t survive, or if we did, that I would go mad in the process. Yet, it was during those moments that we grew. We grew wiser, and most importantly, closer.
And today, I sing praises to Our King!
In His infinite mercy, He has blessed Karl with what I could never have given him. He has blessed Karl with a 4 year scholarship to Wheaton College in Massachusetts that’s worth $175,000+!
Now the time is drawing near to when Karl must go out on his own. I have done all I can. As much as I will miss him, I know my job is not to hold on to him, but to give him wings to fly.
And so I will.
With tears in my eyes and a song in my heart, I will watch him collect his diploma this coming June 2012. My first born, His son, has overcome, becoming the man God always intended him to be.
“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” – Isaiah 40:29-31
Karl’s Session at SxSW 2011
Soar high my Son. Without fear, without restraints, and never let go of His Right Hand.
{ 22 comments… add one }
Powerful post querida Migdalia… I feel your emotion and I am happy for Karl and you! What a blessing- what an amazing birthday gift to you! 😀
Fuerte abrazos!!
Vicky
Vicky: God is AMAZING! He opened doors that I never could have opened. I know that Karl will walk through them in faith… And YES it was the best Birthday present EVER! 😀
Ms. Latina recently posted..My Teen Was Awarded a 4 Year Scholarship to Wheaton College in Massachusetts!
I cannot wait to see President Rivera in a few years!!
Carolyn G recently posted..Random Willynillyness Cooking Presents: Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce
Carolyn: Woot! I can see him now, Presidente of his own compania!
Ms. Latina recently posted..My Teen Was Awarded a 4 Year Scholarship to Wheaton College in Massachusetts!
This is so wonderful!! My son just started college this year and I know the feeling. although my son didn’t struggle with certain issues as it sounds you did,so it seems like a greater accomplishment and yes it is love…your love that IS what made the difference. Sending you a big hug of joy!
Blanca Stella Mejia recently posted..Compartiendo Una Voz Con Una Comunidad
Blanca: Karl has overcome much but I know it has made him stronger and wiser. He found his voice in the process and I know he will use it to inspire and empower other teens and young adults. I am so very proud of him and who he has become!
Ms. Latina recently posted..A Warm Welcome To Those Who Found Me Via CVS
Beautiful post Migdalia…I am so happy for Karl and you! Remember…Love, like a river, will cut a new path whenever it meets an obstacle. ~ Crystal Middlemas… You have been blessed with knowing Love is always the answer… Love, your Go Red Sister…
Janine Krolikowski recently posted..HINDSIGHT is often NOT 20/20…
Janine Thank you for sharing in my joy my Go Red Sister and for the quote. I will be adding it to my collection!
Ms. Latina recently posted..A Warm Welcome To Those Who Found Me Via CVS
That is amazing!! Congrats to you & him!!! I know your proud:)
jendalynne recently posted..Mundane Mondays.
Wow. Congrats to Karl! I know he is very talented and is definitely going places. You must be so proud 🙂
CatSynth recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Doll and Fish
Oh my!!!!!! I got chills reading this post!!!! Wow..wow..wow!!! God is good all the time!! So amazing to read this, to hear how you have been blessed, and how you give God all the glory!!! What a proud mama you are! Congrats to your son, too! All his hard work has paid off!!!
This is an amazing story!
Beautiful and powerful post! Congrats to your son, he will be a great role model for lots of young kids out there…
Isolated Existence recently posted..Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol in IMAX!
Good morning Migdalia
When I saw the headline this morning on your FB stream, I immediately thought “this is God’s hand” then after reading the post I cried tears of joy. I have been blessed to know you, Karl and Andrew. Brace yourselves as the Lord continues to shower all of you with His love.
Ofelia recently posted..Wedding planning with a “digital bride” twist
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!! What an incredible blessing. I know we’ve never met in person but the bond of Christ has knit us together. It has been obvious from this side that Karl is an amazing young man and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless and expand the areas he touches with his life!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have goosebumps as I am reading this post. I am so happy for Karl! Congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. I also have a very deep admiration for you both. It’s amazing what you both have accomplished. Many blessings to your family xoxo
Patty at A Day in My NYC recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Real or Fake?
Your hard work, dedication and loving personality with your children is paying off chica and I am sure will continue to do so! They are your shadow! Karl will go very far. The sky is the limit! Congratulations and Feliz Navidad!
Myrah – Coupon Mamacita recently posted..$3 Zantac Coupon!
This is awesome!! Congrats to both you and Karl 🙂
Vida recently posted..Baby Magic Gentle Eczema Balm-NEWS
That is so exciting! WOO HOO!
Here I was excited for Mica getting the Principles Award last week. HA
https://theapels.blogspot.com/2011/12/principles-award.html
Your boy scored big time!
alissa apel recently posted..Holidays at Tropical Traditions
Congrats to you Karl!
As parents we often wonder if we have done enough, given enough, provided enough… he will be a good strong man and that the very best any man can be!
You must be a proud momma. Congratulations. I am so happy for you both. What an accomplishment, may this only be the start of great things to com.
Congratulations to your son. You must be incredibly proud of him. And regardless of what you say, know you did have a great part in his success.
Hadn’t seen this post. So happy for you and your “baby” boy. Que maravilla, to be able to surpass all that he has to succeed in this way…Congrats to both of you!