MAN OF THE HOUSE

How many times over the years have you looked at your children and wondered how they ever got so big? What a cliche? I find myself doing this so much more these days and there is definitely a reason for me to be.

My son Max is a god send, I have said it from day one that his purpose in life was to be my guardian angel here on earth. To give you some background, I was six months pregnant with him when John and I lost our first child, Chloe. Being pregnant with Max was a gift - I had to get sleep, I had to eat, I had to stay healthy - no time to knock on the door of depression. Max and I have a bond that is very hard to describe, but is felt very deeply.

Over the last month I have watched him transform from a typical 8 year old to a young man who just steps up to the plate and does what needs to get done. The things that have to be done in the house are not the most fun, but I have yet to hear a complaint from him.

With a younger brother diagnosed with Asperger's, who at a moment's notice (most of the time none at all) will go from being completely happy to screaming at the top of his lungs demanding the smallest of things and Max just stops what he is doing and answers his demands. My patience is tested everyday and it is like Max just knows that if one more scream is heard, it might just push me over the edge.

To stand back and watch as he takes charge and silently corrects the situation is both a heart swelling moment, but also a heart sinking one as well. I don't want my 8 year old to have to this strong boy that carries the burdens of what he believes he must. I want him to be the kid that is going to negotiate for things, challenge my discipline and be mischievious. I know deep in my heart he is doing what his Daddy told him to do and that was to take care of Mommy and he is making his Dad very proud.

He has definitely stepped into the big shoes left behind and is truly the Man of the House now!