My Constant: The Beloved Son

"The son whose shadow never faded from mine."

John is my third son, and from the moment I named him, I knew he was special.

I often remind him that his name comes from the Bible — John, the Beloved.

And true to that name, he has always reflected love and loyalty.

Even as a baby, people were drawn to his charm.

He was such a happy child, always ready with a smile for everyone.

I remember his nanny proudly calling him “the cutest baby in the village.”

And that charm? It hasn’t faded. Among all his brothers, John has always been the most social, the most effortlessly warm.

He’s been my constant. As a baby. As a teen. And even now.

John has always chosen to stay close.

Even after college, when most would seek independence, he chose to remain at home.

He stayed — and still stays. And for that, I thank God every single day.

In moments of chaos, he has been my quiet strength. When life felt uncertain, he became my source of stability. He didn’t just witness my hardest seasons — he walked through them beside me, from the closest seat.

I remember when he was just a toddler.

There were days when I couldn’t hold back the tears.

And with his tiny hands, he would gently wipe them from my cheeks and whisper,

“It’s okay, Mommy.”

What he didn’t know then was that I was drawing strength from him.

He was my anchor when I was drifting.

Perhaps that’s why he had to grow up faster than most.

He began working while still in high school — I can still picture him mopping floors and cleaning toilets at his first job. Humble. Determined. Willing.

There was a time, at the height of COVID,

when we were forced to leave the house we were living in.

Everything we owned was crammed into the back of our car, his baby brother in tow.

As John drove, holding back tears, he looked at me and said:

“I don’t want to be poor anymore.”

And I looked him in the eyes and said: “Good.”

Because I knew — this would be a defining moment.

I told him that experience would teach him the value of every cent, every opportunity.

And I reminded him of what the Bible says:

“Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, for the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”(James 1:2–4)

And truly, that hardship became a turning point.

Since then, I’ve watched him transform.

He became focused. Intentional.

Wise beyond his years.

While still young, he began investing — something I regret not doing for myself.

His drive, his perseverance, and his growing faith carried him forward.

I also want to honor the men of God who stood with me as I raised John.

His spiritual mentor, whom I approached through our small group in church,

stepped in with grace and guidance.

I asked one of them to help ensure John would grow into the man God intended him to be. And God didn’t just give us one — He surrounded us with three strong, mighty men of faith who stood by John, and who I believe still pray for him to this day.

And today, he stands as a Registered Nurse in one of the best teaching hospitals in the country.

But it’s not just the title that makes me proud.

It’s who he is.

A man of compassion.

A son of wisdom.

A believer in God’s process and purpose.

Behind every job offer, every promotion, and every breakthrough, I see the hand of God — orchestrating every detail of John’s life.

Every opportunity, every victory, even every hardship has been part of a divine plan.

And now, as I look at John — my third born, my constant — I am filled with pride.

I know he will make an incredible husband, a strong and gentle father, and a steady leader of his own family someday.

And I know this, too: God is not done yet.

He is still writing John’s story — in Him, and through Him.

To my beloved son:

You are not just my constant.

You are my answered prayer.

With love always, Mom