The Graduate

I have been in awe of Bailey from the moment he came into this world.  I was there to witness his birth and it was the most amazing thing I have seen.  So amazing to me, as a nurse I couldn't become a labor and delivery nurse because I didn't want to lose the sense of amazement.  He also gave me the role of aunt, one of my favorite roles.  Bailey has taught me a love I did not know until he came into my life.

With many others, Bailey is going to graduate this weekend.  I cannot believe the little nugget I use to hold and snuggle is now a grown man.  I use to record lectures in nursing school, one day I recorded him saying "hello," one of his first words. I would listen to it over and over again, it was the sweetest sound.  

One day when Bailey was about four years old, I came to his house and he was walking across the wooden beam of his swing set with such skill and balance. My sister, sitting calmly, reassured me, "Miss he does it all the time."  Bailey at a young age has always been fearless.  He doesn't stop until he masters the task, he is persistent.  He has mastered the task of tumbling, wrestling, skate boarding, snow boarding, dirt biking, jet skiing, water skiing, and climbing to name a few.  All of which has made the PICU nurse in me very fearful, but also amazes me at the same time.

A few years ago Cobey, his brother, was riding his dirt bike at their home in the country.  Cobey fell off and lost consciousness, no one could see it because he was behind a barn.  Bailey knew something was wrong and went out to look for him and found him laying on the ground.  He got his father and called 911.  When the ambulance came he directed them where they needed to go.  Bailey is a natural leader and saved his brother.  In the ER he did not leave Cobey's side, he protected and watched over him.

Many people know Bailey's physical strength, but what people don't see is his emotional strength.  He has seen and dealt with heartbreaking situations, and his character has shown strength and resilience.
My wish for Bailey is he sees himself as my family and myself see him.  While grown ups want to protect children from the harshness of life, I know he will see it and feel it, but his character will pull him through.
I love him more than he will ever know.  Congratulations buddy, go forth and continue to amaze the world!

Photo credit: Sparrow & Bean Studios