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They're the words most girls dream of......the proposal that takes you into exciting nuptials and wedded bliss true love stories are made of; unless of course, they come from your six-year-old son.
When Cameron was about that age, we were in our usual bedtime ritual of bath, brush the teeth, put on pajamas, read a book, say our prayers, tuck that little chubby boy with his curly locks into the sheets and coverlet like he was a sausage-in-a-biscuit, kiss his forehead and say "good night". Just as I reached the door and my hand felt for the light switch, I heard, "Mommy?" "Here comes the excuse train to avoid sleepy-time.", I thought. But instead when I answered, "Yes?" I received this response: "Mommy, when I get older, will you marry me?" Well, if that doesn't just make you melt, you've no heart in your chest. I know some of you are thinking I sat down on the bed and cautiously explained all the reasons that didn't make sense or how in real life, that would never happen - and if that's what you're thinking, then you're wrong. "Of course I will" was my response. He smiled with heavy eyelids, nodded slowly, and faded off into slumber.
You don't forget those moments. Not ever. Cameron is 19 now and even as I type this, it is vivid in my mind, food for my soul, and brings tears to my eyes. Since that moment, I've seen Cameron grow into a man any girl would love to marry. He has heard devastating diagnoses and taken them with grace, come close to death a few times and testified accordingly, has such a strong faith and is not ashamed to say so, and climbed more mountains than any thrill seeker - and made it to the top every time. He's so handsome (he's ROCKED both a 'fro AND a faux-hawk), strong like an ox, and his heart is just the right amount of tender. And this is not the biased writing of the mother of a Momma's Boy, either.
Well......yes, it is.
Now Cameron and I have a very special relationship. We've stood by each other through thick and thin. But a few years ago, we were in the car together and I was feeling nostalgic and taking a stroll down memory lane. "Awww, Cam. Do you remember when you were little and you asked me to marry you?" He smiled wryly, and put his hand on top of mine on the middle console of the car. "Yyyyyeeaa...about that, Mom......I don't think it's gonna work out." (Not exactly left at the altar, but dumped just the same!)
It is a cute follow-up to an adorable story, I know. But the story doesn't end there at all. Cameron continues to do whatever he feels he must to take care of me, protect me, and truly love me. He is proud I'm his mom, though my mistakes have been many; and I am proud of him as my son, though the frustrations have been, too.
I pray for him daily. I pray protection from evil and all wicked intent, and I pray he continues to grow in strength in his faith. I pray he finds the RIGHT woman to marry, one whose faith mirrors his, so that their union is strong and clean. I pray I can hold those special memories in my heart and mind for as long as I'm alive. And I pray my legacy is great in his heart and mind as long as he's alive....and I pray he rises up, and calls me blessed.
And of course, I pray he's Mr. Right for the girl of his dreams - that he does whatever he feels he must to take care of her, protect her, and truly love her......and that his proposal leads them into exciting nuptials and wedded bliss true love stories are made of.
Don't take one trial or test of faith for granted. Even the worst of days are meant to raise you with moxie and help you learn to relish the good ones. And when a proposal is presented to you, be sure to carefully consider it before saying no. It could be the transfer of some of your journey to someone else's path, all while building the legacy you leave behind.