Riley...

He is 19 today.  My bonus son.  The kid that I didn’t know at all less than two years ago who now resides with me and has become a part of my family.  I was reluctant when my daughter asked if her friend could move in.  I was looking for kids to move out, not in.  But she was convincing and I was willing to talk to him.  He and I had a nice chat and it was decided, he would move in.  That was awhile ago and I can’t remember what life was like without him.

I have grown to love this kid.  I have watched him walk through so much adversity and hardship.  Loss, death, fear, financial insecurity.  I have watched him get up and go to work every single day like he was a 45 year old man with a mortgage.  His work ethic is next level.  His integrity impeccable.  He is just a great kid and I am so grateful he came into our lives.

It is hard to believe he is only 19 today.  He feels so much older in so many ways.  I forget, he is really just a kid because he has so many life experiences that really belong to someone much older.  He has amazing skills and talents for fixing pretty much anything and he is the person my mom and I call whenever we need anything handled.  He is always there.

I thought and prayed that some romance spark would ignite for he and my daughter.  I can think of no one better for her as a partner.  He is loyal, loving, honest and cares deeply about the people in his life.  A couple of months ago, they admitted their feelings for each other and now are showing me how a loving relationship is done.  I am elated.

I was talking to my daughter last night and she was talking about her feelings for him and how much she just loves him.  And she said this, “mom, I feel safe with Riley.  Totally, completely safe.”  And I almost cried.  I am so grateful that her first relationship is with a guy like him.  That he is a safe man in all the ways it counts.  He is reckless with the cars and motorcycles which I lecture and bitch at him about daily.  And fireworks...fuck that kid loves to blow shit up.  But with my daughter, and her feelings and life, he is delicate and safe. And that is the best thing I could ever want for her.

He is a blessing I didn’t see coming.  He is the bonus son I didn’t know I needed or wanted.  But he arrived and my life and the life of my family is so much better for it.  

Happy 19th Birthday Riley!  Thank you for coming into our lives and loving us, and allowing us to love you.  Sometimes you get to pick your family, and for that I am forever grateful.  I love you, kid and very grateful to you and for you. Now have a great time riding dirt bikes today and for the love of all that is holy, BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!