Twenty-six years ago today, I was blessed with a wonderful baby boy. God entrusted Marcus Dale in my care to nuture, love and guide. I always took that charge very seriously and made the career of Mom foremost in my life.
Through the years I gently guided Mark as I watched him grow, mature and learn. He became one of the nicest young men I have ever known and I have always considered it a privilege to be referred to as "Marcus' Mom."
When writing a check at a store, I've often been asked, "Are you Mark's mom?" to which I always smiled and said, "Yes" and with a bit of pride I might add. The answer was always followed with some nice comments about him from the person asking the question. It's these times, mixed with many others, that make us moms feel that all those hours spent watching over our children when they were small and making every effort to guide them in the right direction paid off. It helps us know that we accomplished what we were intended to when the care of our children was entrusted to us.
At 3:10 p.m. on Thursday, August 26, 1971, Marcus Dale Bowman entered our world. In this world he found love, happiness, friendship, joy, adventure, sadness, sorrow, pain, heartache, excitement, fascination, kindness, deceit, honesty, sincerity, humor, danger, protection, fear, caring, passion, tenderness, harshness, warmth, affection, companionship, comradity, generosity, illness, health, tears, laughter, education, good fortune, contentment, satisfaction, disappointment, encouragement, discouragement, regret, gratification, and gentleness. As his mother, I would have liked to be able to protect him from all things that might be negative but have always been aware that our children can only grow and mature if we let them experience all the emotions of life. In Mark's life, I tried to provide a good balance of protecting him and letting him grow and mature. It is a difficult role, to protect a child and to allow them the experiences they need to mature.
When Mark entered my life, I knew he was a special child, full of love and laughter. I will always be grateful that he was in my life here on earth for the 25 years, 7 months and 3 days that he walked among us.
Marcus, wherever you are......I love you... and I am...and always have been...and always will be...proud to be your mother.
Happy Birthday, Son.
Eternal and complete love,
Mom