Dope to the Seventh Power

"I can't believe I'm gonna wake up tomorrow and be seven!" ~ Aiden
Umm, I can't believe I'm going to wake up tomorrow morning and have a seven-year-old. 

That was yesterday's Facebook post. Which means that today, Aiden turns seven.

Seven-years-old.

Seven years of failures and growing pains and lessons learned. Seven years of trying to figure it all out and get this single mom thing right. Seven years of reminding myself that I'm more than enough for Aiden. Seven years of learning what's really important on this single motherhood journey. Seven years of making sure that I raise this little guy into a well-rounded, socially-competent, contributing member of society.

It hasn't been easy. Not by a long shot. But I'm thankful for every single thing that Aiden and I have gone through.

I'm thankful.

For the scared feelings I felt when I first saw the positive sign on the pregnancy test staring back at me. For the breakdowns and meltdowns and the oh-my-gosh-how-am-I-going-to-make-it? times.

I'm thankful.

For the three years that I had to wait after finishing undergrad in order to apply for graduate school instead of the two years that I originally planned to wait. For all the times I had to bring Aiden to class with me because I didn't have a babysitter. For the words of encouragement that I received. For the "you can do it" speeches that I heard from my tribe.

I'm thankful.

For the determination and grit and resilience that motherhood -- single motherhood -- instilled in me. For wanting more for Aiden. For wanting to be more and do more for Aiden. For graduating. Not with one, but two master degrees.

I'm thankful.

For never letting go of my dreams because Aiden's life depended on it. And it depends on it. For being brave enough to continue to pursue my goals and dreams and set a good example for Aiden.

I'm thankful.

For seven years of fun and love and laughter and good times. For and amazing son who I swear has been here before because of his old soul. He's currently into superheroes and science and researching things that he wants more information about. And animals! Man, oh man, does he love him some animals! He's quirky and funny and always needs to get his point across. Because it's a good point. He wants to be a veterinarian and an oceanographer and a teacher and a police officer when he grows up. He's kind and caring and thoughtful and protective of his friends. The world is already a better place because of him.

I'm thankful. For Aiden.

We're a blessed duo. And we made it.

We're making it.