The Boys

In the past few weeks each of my sons has had a birthday.  As hard as it is to believe, they are in their mid 30s.  Not quite middle age (which is good—otherwise we’d be in the same age group!) but way beyond childhood or adolescence.  They are men.  And while I firmly believe no child gets beyond the age of 12 in the eyes of his/her mother, I am getting better at accepting the fact that they truly are adults in their own right.

What is the hardest part of that for me?  Recognizing that even though they still talk to me about decisions, my input is no longer the most important; knowing that they will make some mistakes that I can’t fix, remembering that they are no longer under my authority.

But there are some great parts, too.  I love the women they chose to spend the rest of their lives with—and I love the fact that they (and I) know that their wives take first place in the women they love—as it should be!  I have enjoyed watching them become better husbands and learning to share their lives.  My favorite, so far, has been watching them become Daddies.  Not just a father—but a Daddy to their children—my grandchildren.  As I see them teaching these precious souls about life and love and God, it makes my heart so happy.  No, they are not perfect in either of this roles (do you know any human who is!?) but they are doing a pretty good job!

It makes me a little melancholy to think about all of this because these words from the song “Landslide” really express how I feel: 

Well, I've been afraid of changing

'Cause I've built my life around you

But time makes you bolder, even children get older

And I'm getting older too.

But now we have a new type of relationship.  I still smile when I see their names pop up on my phone.  It fills my heart with joy when they still say “I love you” to me.  I look at what they have accomplished in their education and careers and it makes me proud to see where they are now. 

My sons.  My grown men. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be their first love and to spend their formative years together.  I so look forward to what lies ahead for them, for their families.  Because I know that God sill has great plans for them and for that I can only say, Thank you, Lord!!