A Second Chance

We made it!

August 15th.

"Alright Grayson, we're gonna try big boy food!"

He smiles and hits his hands on his highchair table.

"Yeah!  Mommy mashed up some carrots for you.  If you don't like that, I've got a feeling you won't, I have some bananas!

Okay one, two, three!  Here it comes!" Jessica sticks it in his mouth and Grayson makes a face.

Jessica laughs and he spits it out.

"Oh no!  Don't do that!" She cleans him up.

"Here, try it again."

Jessica feeds him as the boys walk in.

Grayson spits it out again, but this time more forceful.

"Oh Grayson!  You got it all over me!"

"What are you doing?" Sam laughs.

"Feeding your brother.  He doesn't like it" She says cleaning herself up.

"I see that." James laughs.

"Here, try some nanas!" She smiles.

Grayson moves his little lips in a cute way, and focuses his eyes in one spot.

"He's thinking about it." Michael says.

"Mom, you should get out of the splash zone just in case." Sam says making her laugh.

Suddenly Grayson starts giggling and clapping his hands.

"He likes it!  Yay, Gray!!" Jessica lifts her hands.

"Here, have some more!" Jessica feeds him and James touches her shoulder.

"Mom, are we still going shopping for our dorm room today?"

Jessica immediately teared up and looked at him.

"Yeah.."

The subject of college can't come up without Jessica crying.

"Well we don't have to."

"No, I want to go!  We need to.  Let me just grab some of his things and we can go.."

***

The boys find all kinds of things they need and want for school, and the whole time Jessica stays quiet.

"You okay, mom?" James asks.

"I'm fine.."

"You sure?"

Jessica nods and looks down.

"I'm okay.."

"Love you, mom."

"I love you more, baby!"

He smiles softly and gives her a hug.

***

The week before the boys left for school, they had a little going away party for them at Dorothy's.

"Boys, I've known you since you were still in your mother's womb.  I felt you kick, I've changed your diapers, I've watch you go from cute little munchkins to handsome young men.  Your parents have raised you so well.  I know that your life will be filled with joy, happiness and success.  You and your brothers are such amazing boys.  The love you all have for your mother is something I've never seen before.  As well as the love she has for you.  Your mom loves you guys so so much.  So go to school.. Become something great and make her proud.. Make your father proud and remember that he will be with you every step of the way."