Today is a special day in our family. My oldest son turned 16. Was it really 16 years ago that I went through 32 hours of labor and two hours of pushing to deliver this remarkable young man? I clearly remember the way he looked those first few days whenever he was hungry. His tongue would move in and out. My husband and I jokingly referred to him as a lizard. Now his tongue is sometimes too quick to whip out a zinger or something smart. I remember looking into those deep, dark brown eyes and feeling almost like I could see into his soul. Now all I sometimes see are his eyes rolling at me. I can still feel the way he nestled in my arms, snuggled up close against me. Now I barely get a hug from him.
You might think that in all of my reminiscing I am feeling sad. So much has changed and not all of the changes have been necessarily “enjoyable”. Yet in between the smart mouth, the rolling eyes and the half-hugs I have been able to see other wonderful developments in my son’s life. All those years of trying to teach him to be responsible, I see more and more of it coming out. All those years of trying to steer him in the right direction and to make good choices in his life, I have seen him stand firm in his faith and his moral beliefs. All those years of trying to inspire him to do what he most wants to and to enjoy his life, I have seen him pursue his interests and grow in the process.
Of all the things I remember most about when he was younger is that he depended upon me 100%. Now his dependency has been slowly drifting away and in just a couple of years he will be an adult. He could join the military, start college or begin working. He could move out. The realization of this new stage of his life that is just around the corner really makes me appreciate every single moment of his life.
Today is a day of remembrance for me. It is a day of going back in time to his younger years, celebrating who he is becoming, painfully recalling difficult moments and just overall being very thankful for the gift of his life. Yes the teenage years can be difficult but they are a necessary part of growing and developing. Every stage of his life is essential and I am so thankful to be part of that. Although my part is beginning to lessen, I am able to see how significantly I have been able to contribute to who he is.
Parents of teenagers may not always see the influence and impact made right away but know that it has been deeply ingrained and will make a difference. Just give it time. It passes so quickly and before you know it, that tiny baby has become a grown man or woman.
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