Being Canadian, I find it a little strange, the US custom of holding Thanksgiving in late November. We’ve always celebrated Thanksgiving in early October. Moreover at this time of the year, I have something else to celebrate – my son’s birthday!
However there is a connection! Thanksgiving and the remaining holiday season is about gratitude, and it there’s something in my life that I am particularly grateful for, it is the birth of my son, Tonatiuh.
Tonatiuh arrived into this world a good 21 days before my 46th birthday- my first and only child. That I had him at such a late age was a miracle. Having been so many years free of family responsibilities, I wasn’t at all sure how I would take to motherhood. The minute he was born, I had no doubts.
Tonatiuh (“Tona” for short), was named after the Aztec God of the Sun. My husband Eduardo came up with the name. I couldn’t have done better.
Being a creative soul, routines have never been my strong point. All parenting books will tell you how important this is, and I struggled to provide some. Luckily he’s the kind of kid, who is really adaptable, and seems to not have been too much the worse for this lack of consistent structure.
Guilt, thy name is “mother”, is a phrase I’ve often said to myself. On top of that I have a Catholic and Jewish background so I’m getting if from all sides. You see I don’t mind so much being an imperfect human being for myself, but I’ve always wanted to be so much better for my child.
However I console myself that he’s always got a pot load of love and affection, combined with boundaries so that he respects others, and responsibilities helping with the family chores.
Like many other children, he seems to need precious little clothing to keep him warm on cold days. However, when I protest he has the perfect reply. But Mom, I’m the sun god!
With a sunny disposition, and an amazing ability get along with people in any age group, Tona has always been an easy child to parent. He loves to joke and laugh and play, and he’s also a very polite and caring child.
He’s got his father’s talents as a dancer, and has a very strong sense of rhythm, and loves music. His big passion, however, is animals. He loves watching wild life documentaries and playing with our dogs.
When I am counting my blessings at any time, Tonatiuh always comes to the top of my list. And for this beautiful child, I give a thousand thanks.
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