I must admit, I’m having a bit of a time accepting that my baby is growing up. It was only yesterday that I could carry my boy on my hip without thinking twice about it.
Now, He could carry Me a fair distance if need be!
Still….For as proud a mama as I am, I absolutely despise this whole growing up thing, to some extent.
In my mind… I’m watching a Sweet, Vulnerable Infant grow into a Man, overnight. I’m besides myself, quite honestly. (Motherhood is not easy, by far.)
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It has actually become a topic of conversation throughout the family…just how big a couple of the boys are, among our closer relatives. Generally speaking, both sides of the family are made up of average to shorter body types. I think the two tallest members across the board, are about 6’0″ – 6’2″.
Somehow, our boy inherited some recessive genes along the way. It was understandable when my nephew grew as tall as he did, within a short period of time. His father was the tallest one in the bunch! At least, until my nephew hit puberty. My son, however, has surprised us a little.
(I suppose my sister and I both, did well with adding a bit of spice to the gene pool of the family!)
That having been said… last year, the 3 of us (mom, dad, son) agreed to sign our son up for an educational school trip, for this upcoming year. We began paying for it last year around this time, so that he could get his spot for the 2023 trip. He is literally only a few short months away from this thing that has been on the back burner of my mind, since signing up for it all.
We all know he will likely have a complete blast, while learning a lot more about the subject he will be studying in the educational arena. He will love it. The trip is paid for. His grades are great. This trip may steer him in a direction that he finds himself embracing for his future. True Story. Exciting vacation, while getting credit for being in school.
So, what’s the problem?
Mama has a hard time facing the fact that she will be sending her little boy away somewhere, that will not exactly be within the “quick, get to you if need be” area…
That’s It. In a nutshell.
We have been away from him on plenty of occasions throughout his life (with family and friends). That isn’t entirely new. What is new is that I’m relying on adults I don’t know, to keep a good eye on my baby (not so much a baby) while he’s so far away.
Let’s face it…even with adult supervision, kids find ways of being a bit mischievous. Teenagers don’t exactly think things through. They possess more bravery, curiosity, knack for excitement, etc. While my son is smart and observant, he’s still a teenager.
So, how do we as parents, encourage them to use their wings at the same time we struggle to let them stray from the nest?
End conclusion… Anytime, Mama Bear starts to fret, she needs to take a long, deep breath. I have to accept that the years have indeed passed a bit quickly for my liking. My little boy may be turning into a man. However, I have to ask myself a few questions before allowing anxiety to take control….
1. Is our son careful when it comes to the typical safety rules?
Yes.
2. Is he smart and resourceful?
Yes.
3. Will he get himself into trouble in any fashion, with his peers?
Highly Doubtful.
4. Will we be going through a drill of his backpack, along with overall safety rules closer to the trip?
I’m guessing, probably a million times at the least.
5. Is he responsible?
Without a doubt, except when it comes to cleaning his room…
6. Why are you worried, then?
Our children will grow up. It is known. While I’m starting to feel the empty nest thing far ahead of it’s time, I have to keep in mind that the future years will bring a joy all their own. My son might not cuddle in my arms quite like he use to. He might not need me every second of the day. However, the person he is growing into, is the reward itself. I suppose, I just have to have faith and let him take his freedom of flight.
No logical explanation really to this conversation, except for the fact that I’m like most parents. I Do Worry. This child did start out as a small raspberry inside my belly. I have watched him grow. He has always been under my protection. I do love him more than life itself. He does brighten my life in more ways than one.
It will not be easy…the letting go part…probably one of the hardest things parents ever have to do.
At the very least, I may see grandchildren in the next 15 years…still young enough for a grandma to chase little ones around. I guess that hope kind of softens the sheer fact that my nest is going to be looking a bit bare for a while, in the near future.
