A couple days ago I was completing my morning scroll through Facebook when I was caught off guard by a post a friend had made–a post that contained a link to my youngest son Lucas’s latest blog. I was surprised. Usually he tells me when he’s getting ready to publish a new blog, and occasionally I’m even treated to a sneak peek. Curious, I clicked on the link and began reading his story, and it soon became apparent that he hadn’t told me about this blog because he hadn’t wanted me to see it–and as you read it you will most likely understand why a son would keep such information hidden from his mother.
His story terrified me.
His story made me sob aloud.
And his story made me so incredibly grateful for the choices he has made and for the young man he has become.
It was painful for me to read his words that morning, and it’s not easy for me to share them now–but I feel the message is too important and too beautiful not to share, and if he had the courage to write these words and publish them for all the world to see, then I feel I should help in that mission. I have posted a link to his blog below, and I ask that you read his story, in his own words, and that you pass it on to everyone you know who might benefit from such wisdom.
And please understand that Lucas did not share his story to garner pity or to encourage sympathetic responses–that’s just not the kind of guy he is. You can spend a moment–just a moment–like I did, agonizing over “what might have been,” but then shove that sadness aside and realize that he is an amazing young man with so much greatness within him and ahead of him. And take with you the real message he is trying to convey–a message of hope and inspiration and victory.
Lucas’s story:
http://thecookiejargon.com/2013/09/10/brokeback-lucas-how-pain-made-me/
Iced Tea with Lemon's Blog 
Karen, I did wonder when I read Lucas’ blog if you had seen it before he published it. I was as surprised…and moved as you were. I do not know Lucas very well…but I have always been impressed with how straight forward he has always been. I believe it is true what he says…..you have to come to terms with something…and find the good that comes from it. He is wise beyond his years.
Thank you, Jane. Even though I thought I had a good idea of what he was going through at the time, I really didn’t … and that was a harsh realization. I am so grateful for his ability to make the best of a bad situation and turn a negative into a positive, and his willingness to courageously share his story has made me re-evaluate my own outlook on life. He’s a great “kid.”
It’s a difficult task to tell a painful story, and to do it well. Lucas has done just that, with honesty and humor. But then, he’s your son, so I’m not at all surprised.
Thank you, Charles. He is an amazing young man who has already figured out that he can choose to be happy despite the obstacles–and that should serve as a reminder to us all. I’m proud of his resilience, determination and courage (and yes, I’m just a little bit proud of those writing skills, too).
You should be a proud Mama, what a phenomenal young man you have there! I have seen so many people take the dark road when it comes to chronic pain, and by that I mean chronic pain meds. Good for him to forge his own path.
Yes, I am definitely a proud mama, for many reasons, and I’m also grateful that he’s been able to find better, more positive alternatives for dealing with his pain. I know many people dealing with chronic pain feel they have no choice but to swallow pills (and I realize some of them really don’t), but I can’t imagine his warm, charming personality dulled by narcotics. I like him just the way he is.
Odd, each time I click on the link I come to a Toronto based cookie bakery website. ? Alas, I can only imagine your beloved son’s heartfelt recounting of his trials and personal victory. We mothers are mothers all of our children’s lives. And, contrary to the often quoted line, for us mamas and papas, a son is still a son when he takes a wife…no California dreamin’ there.
Tiger Lil
I’m sorry. I followed the link and got the same website–I’m not sure when or how that happened. I’ve contacted my son, and he’s not sure what the problem is, either, but he’s working to correct it. If he can’t, then I’ll try copying and pasting his story into my blog–it was a tear-jerker. My “children” are 29, 25, and 21–and yes, I will always be their mama, and they will always be my little boys.