“Can I talk to you?” Whenever your teen comes to you with that question and a serious look on their face, you can’t help but brace yourself.
That was the question my 17-year-old came to me with earlier this week. I could feel my chest tightening and my heart started racing. He is never this serious…what could he possibly have to ask me that he would even have to sit down next to me?
Then this followed, “Can we meet with an Air Force recruiter?” Well that definitely threw me for a loop. I thought “we” had decided on the path he was going to take after he graduates this June.
For many years I was prepared for the day when my son would potentially join the Air Force. Ever since he was seven years old, he has had a love for the military and aircraft. For two years he belonged to “Civil Air Patrol,” an auxiliary program of the Air Force. So I was pretty sure that this would become his career choice.
But then when he turned 16, his interest in “Civil Air Patrol” began to wane. He eventually dropped out and we started talking about another path, an aviation program offered at a college about half an hour from our home.
In fact, I have an appointment scheduled with a counselor next week at the college. I have been thinking we will be going there to register him. But now that might not be the case.
At this point my son is weighing his options. I am thankful that he isn’t jumping into anything. But at the same time, he doesn’t have a lot of time left to make these decisions.
I am proud of myself, though. I didn’t freak out. I told him that I would call and set up an appointment. He said thanks and walked away. Then I was allowed to finally panic.
You see, at seven years old his love for the military was cute. At 12 years old it was interesting. At 16 years old it seemed like a good thing. But now…well, the prospect that I could have just a few more months with him makes it feel a lot different.
At some point parents have to let go. I hate those words. But they are reality. Whether its college, moving out of the home or leaving for the military…our children eventually reach that time when they must leave the nest. It may be reality but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
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(Picture above is my son at an Encampment for Civil Air Patrol)