Forced Privileges

Today was a big day.

Lots to write about and lots of photos

(147 to be exact).

I don't have time to do it all tonight - 

- will do another post tomorrow or so - 

but tonight, I'll just start with how it started.

My oldest son needed a tie for church today.

Wesley has grown SO MUCH in the last few months.

All of his ties (youth size and pre-tied) are now too short.

I had quilts made from most of Rob's clothes

(I did save a few) 

but I saved all of Rob's ties for his sons.

Wesley reminded me of this fact and said, 

"I want to wear one of Dad's ties.  Will you get them for me?"

So I did.

After he chose the one he wanted to wear from Rob's Christmas ties,

I started teaching my 13 year old son how to tie a tie...

...although he still needs more lessons.

Just another one of those things that a father would teach a son...

...yet Wesley's learning it from his mother.

Just another one of those things that Rob did not get to teach his sons before his death...

...for there was no need then.

Just another one of those things that they - his sons - need now...

...that I will need - in their father's absence - to compensate for.

Just another one of those things...

...that I, as a widowed mother of sons, 

am forced to have the privilege to do.