It's Taylor's Time...

I woke up this morning thinking, in just under 3 days, my youngest, Taylor, will be graduating from High School.  I remember, like it was yesterday, when I drove into Orlando, FL in a Conversion Van pulling a U-Haul trailer and checked the kids n me in to "Larson's Lodge" in Kissimmee for 2 1/2 weeks waiting for their Dad to come down and meet us as we began the journey of building our future as a family.  Taylor was only 10 months, at the time and we were moving from Columbus, Ohio, where we had worked with Rod Parsley's ministry.  I was a young parent and not sure that the path ahead would be a good one.  While I sat in a Hotel room with just Tori and Taylor, a microwave, baby bed and rocking chair, fear and anxiety about our future began to overwhelm me and tears began rolling down my face.  Questions about whether I would be able to provide for them and give them a good future came crashing in on me in this lonely room.  I looked across the room, and saw Tori laying in one of the double beds, sound asleep and I looked at the foot of her bed, where the crib was resting and Taylor was playing quietly  with his little toys.  At that moment, it's as if he knew what I needed, he smiled at me and in that smile I saw peace.  A comfort that I can't explain.  That smile let me know, he trusted me, loved me and knew I was going to take care of his needs.  


Here we are almost 18 years later, so much has transpired.  Our journey didn't go exactly as planned, but nonetheless, it has brought us to this place, where we are today.  We've been through, building a church, we moved right at 10 times over 17 years, flown all over the Nation.  I've watched my kids learn how to dance at church with 'petite posse', go to church camps, travel to visit family in other states.  I've dealt with Taylor's broken arms, broken ankles, tubes in his ears twice, adnoids removed, 6 teeth pulled, braces, swine flu, chicken pox, broken finger, dislocated arm, divorce of his parents, loss of  2 grandparents...and these are just off the top of my head.  This kid has been through it!  


Even through the battle scars and the pain, I've watched a young man develop into a Man of Greatness! Taylor has taught himself how to play the piano, guitar, and drums.  He writes songs and creates sounds for production.  His talents are as many as his young life's experiences.  Through all of the life changes that have occurred in Taylor's journey, I've watched his character develop.  Some things, I'd like to take credit for teaching him, but there are things that he was just born with...honesty, integrity, fairness, tenderness, joyful, love for God and Country...just to name a few.  


As we embark on this new phase of our journey into Adulthood and "real life", I just wanted to take this little moment I have to say how PROUD I am to have such a wonderful Son in Taylor S. Brown.  Just a few weeks ago we celebrated Tori and her accomplishments, so today is Taylor's turn.  When I gave birth to a HUGE baby boy, 9 lbs. 6 oz. (all natural birth), on July 5th, 1992, I couldn't have asked for anything more than what God gave me.   My son has brought me joy, I can't even explain.  He has a sensitive heart, a good heart.  He is one of the most observant little things, I've ever been around, even as a young boy.  He used to crouch down and hide in the pillows on my couch, and no one would know he was there, just to hear everything going on in the room.  Then he'd ask me lots of questions later about the conversations.  He always liked being around adults.  He never ran with the crowd in school, but always had friends and was respected by students and teachers.  Taylor is a leader!  He has created his own path.  He wants to be a music producer and I fully support his dreams!  He has respected and honored me, as his mother and I couldn't be more proud.


As we approach graduation day, everyone will see this strapping young man take to the podium to receive his honor, but all I will see is my little boy that brought me so much joy.  Everyone has always called Taylor...Momma's boy, and he seemed to be OK with that title.  I hope he never outgrows it!  He'll always be "Tay" to me, and I'll always remember that little smile he gave me in his crib on that day 17 years ago in Kissimmee.  Wednesday, I'll be way up high in the stands at the Amway Arena watching him have his moment below, he won't be able to see me, but I'll see him and I'll be giving him that same smile back letting him know that His future is Bright and everything's gonna be AlRIGHT!!!