Today he turns one.
Twelve months ago, I had no idea what life would look like on this day. I didn’t imagine I would be standing here feeling both grateful and emotional, holding a toddler who has already taught me more about love than I ever thought possible.
This year has been unlike anything I expected.
After his mom passed away, everything changed. The quiet in the house felt different. The responsibilities felt heavier. The future felt uncertain. Overnight, I became both parents — learning how to comfort him, care for him, and guide him through a world that suddenly felt overwhelming to me too.
There were moments when I doubted myself. Late nights when sleep was short and questions were long. Times when I wondered if I was strong enough to give him everything he needs. But every single time, he reminded me why I had to keep going.
His smile.
That small, bright smile has carried me through some of the hardest days. It’s amazing how a child can bring light into even the darkest spaces. He doesn’t know the weight of the past year. He only knows love, warmth, and the comfort of being held. And that innocence has become my greatest motivation.
This first year has been filled with tiny milestones that felt enormous. The first time he rolled over. The first time he tried to crawl. The first time he said something that sounded like a word. Each step forward felt like a victory — not just for him, but for us.
Raising a child alone has shown me what strength truly means. It’s not about never feeling tired or afraid. It’s about showing up anyway. It’s about learning as you go. It’s about choosing love every single day, even when you’re exhausted.
I’ve discovered that love can stretch further than you ever think possible. It can grow in the middle of grief. It can build something beautiful even after loss. It can turn ordinary days into meaningful memories.
Today isn’t just a birthday. It’s a reminder that we made it through a year of change, challenge, and growth. It’s a celebration of resilience. It’s proof that even when life doesn’t go as planned, hope still finds a way.
As he turns one, I don’t have all the answers for the years ahead. I don’t know exactly what the future will bring. But I do know this: he will always be surrounded by love. He will always have someone cheering him on. And he will always be reminded of how deeply he is cared for.
If you have a quiet prayer, a positive thought, or simply a kind word, feel free to leave it for him today. Small gestures of kindness mean more than you know. Birthdays are about community, connection, and celebrating the gift of another year.
Here’s to one year of courage.
One year of growth.
One year of unconditional love.
And to many more birthdays filled with hope, strength, and beautiful new beginnings.
