We did it! If you’re reading this, congratulations! We’ve officially made it through 2020, and a new year has begun.
I believe wholeheartedly that life is what you make it. Do you look back at 2020 discouraged or can you point out the many positive things that happened in your life instead?
My youngest son, Waylon, was born in 2020. He definitely was a ray of sunshine during such a whirlwind year. He had nearly two dozen doctor appointments and a surgery for the fluid in his brain caused by his condition called spina bifida. Through it all though, he kept a smile and was such a trooper making this mama’s heart so full.
My husband and I chose life, when most parents terminate the pregnancy after finding out their child has this condition. Please choose life even when your little one may have a birth defect like spina bifida. Our Waylon has a full life ahead of him. He’ll have some obstacles along the way, yes, but don’t we all.
Waylon is a happy, healthy boy that loves life, and he is achieving so many milestones each and every month. I think he’s going to be a dreamer and a go-getter. Nothing will be able to stop him when he sets his mind to it.
My first born, Charlie, accomplished so many things in 2020 as well. He grew a tremendous amount, and evolved from a toddler to a little boy that can help his mama grab diapers, clean up toys, and do school work. He can name all of his planets, loves the outdoors, and with making so many trips to Dallas for Waylon’s appointments, he is a good traveler.
We asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up recently, and he said a driver. Guess that means we are on the road quite a bit. He’ll have good practice in traveling if he decides to rodeo professionally like his dad, Uncle Orin, or Grandpa Craig Latham.
2020 was a year of many greats passing away. Basketball Star, Kobe Bryant, is one of those individuals that left behind an amazing legacy and influence. One of his quotes that really stands out to me says, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”
I love this quote. I hope to be a positive inspiration to my children. Someone they can look up to, someone that works hard, tries hard, and fights for what they believe in every day.
Another great that was taken from us in 2020 was country music icon, Charlie Daniels. His music, his mannerism, and his example are all qualities that I’d love for my boys to have.
I want both Charlie and Waylon to learn at least one instrument. Music is good for the soul, and can teach an individual many life lessons through the experience of learning something new, getting out of one’s comfort zone, and giving an individual the confidence needed in oneself in many areas, including to eventually be able to play in front of a crowd.
Charlie Daniels left us with some great wisdom when he said, ” Lord, give us the courage to speak our mind, to be honest and bold about our feelings, no matter who, or how many we go against.”
And last but not least, Jeopardy host, Alex Trebek, sadly lost his life to cancer in 2020, but his presence will remain in many households for decades to come. In March of 2020, Alex stated, “Now, I’d be lying if I said the journey has been an easy one. There were some good days, but a lot of not so good days…if we take it just one day at a time, with a positive attitude, anything is possible.”
I see many people go through some very hard and trying times, but what separates them is their attitude they have in order to get through their circumstances. Yes, I know we all break down, we all get down at some point, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have some bad days, but overall, I try to have a positive outlook, and it really does make a world of difference.
I’ve said it before, but I truly believe both my boys are going to achieve amazing things. They both have kind spirits, and enough energy to charge the sun.
As a parent, the most important thing is to spend quality time with your children, teach them qualities that they will need as they get older, and be an example for them to follow.
You are an icon, a hero, and the biggest influencer to your child. Teach them to inspire others, teach them to be bold, and teach them the power of positivity. Happy New Year!!
