Even now, I see how wonderful it’s been. I see what an amazing teenager he is becoming. There are so many changes happening with him even on a daily basis. It seems like he shot up taller than my 5 feet 9 inches in a week, and suddenly he has a deeper voice and a different laugh and even different ways of thinking. We discuss politics for God’s sake, and he knows what he’s talking about. He’s growing up, moving on, and leaving childhood behind as he reaches for his full potential. That’s the plan, and I’m doing my job right because he’s already an amazing person. He will be a magnificent man.
I think that I will always miss that grinning toddler, the magical ideas of a 6 year old, the Cars cars, the #EpicForts and my little boy. Having said goodbye to each stage lets me know what I’m missing, and what I’m gaining. Oh, my boy is growing up, and it’s a wonderful, magical thing. We really do have so many adventures ahead of us.
I’m lucky that he still thinks I am cool, for the most part, or at least pretends that I am. And he still wants to hang out with me. He still is my adventure buddy, but now, he suggests adventures. He’ll leave me behind to hang out with his friends, but makes sure to come back for a kiss goodbye and an “I love you” before he walks away, regardless of who is around. He still asks my opinion and then forms his own.
Sometimes, he still grabs my hand before we cross the street. I just can’t tell if it’s to keep himself safe, or for him to keep me safe. Whatever the reason, I hold on.
