When I became a mother, I knew I would face so many challenges, both things I was prepared for and things I wasn't. But one thing I really didn't see coming? My oldest son doesn't say "I love you." It's not like he's never said it, but he's never gone out of his way to utter those words out of emotion. When his brothers and sister cuddle up to him and say it, he'll sometimes say it back, usually after I've reminded him that it would be nice for them to hear it. I explain that his siblings might not understand that he loves them if he doesn't actually tell them. What I don't tell him is that his grown-up mommy is sensitive that way, too, because for a long time, it broke my heart not to hear him tell me he loves me.... read the full article