My “boys” aren’t boys anymore — they are men. They range from 21 to 26 years of age.

I’ve always wanted our family to be close, and for the most part we are. Family is one of the things that I value highly. When we would leave the boys for a few hours — or a day or two, the last thing we would say was, “Remember, you love each other!” I know that my friends are precious and special and I am grateful for them. But family…they are my breath, my heart, they matter more than I can ever express.

One night last week I knew that one of our sons was struggling. Decisions needed to be made; provision needed to be found. As I went to bed, my heart was broken — I could barely breath because of my concern for the child I love. I began to pray. I prayed and prayed. This child, this man, was hurting and since I will always be the mom, I was hurting with him. I prayed some more. Suddenly, as if a light switch had been flipped to the on position, I was at peace. I prayed some more — this time thanking God for meeting the need in whatever way He chooses. I thanked Him for this young man and his brothers, for our daughter-in-love, for my amazing husband, and for our family.

Is my boy’s path clear? Are all of the questions answered? No. But I’m the mom and I will pray on.

After this amazing prayer time, a couple of days later we were at a restaurant — all six of us. Mr. Gorgeous and I, along with two of the kids, were having a grown-up, mature, adult-style conversation. Suddenly, my mom’s ears began to pick up the sound of discontent. (Moms — I know you get this!) I tuned out the adult conversation and began listening to the other end of the table. Really? Seriously? These young men were bickering and sniping. They sounded like they did when they were in elementary school! Since I’m the mom, I did the mom thing. I raised my hand in that classic “police officer traffic-must-stop” pose and using my best mom/teacher voice, I said, “That’s enough — we will not be doing this now!” I immediately turned away, back to the conversation I had originally been a part of. Our daughter looked at me, grinned, rolled her eyes, and shook her head. Yes, I’ll always be the mom.

From the highs to the lows — from birth to adulthood — that’s me. I’ll always be the mom. Honestly, next to being a child of the King and the wife of my best friend, being the mom is my favorite!