Our little pony-tail boygrown up to be a man
Now he's gone in the blink of an eye
-From "Suds in The Bucket", with apologies to Billy Montana, Tammy Wagoner and Sara Evans.
Most people have them. An old photo or two of a birthday party when they were twelve or thirteen. When you next look at them, examine the expressions on your parents' faces. Proud. Happy. Weary, perhaps, depending on the nature and length of the birthday festivities. But behind their eyes may lie another look. Born of the knowledge that their child is growing and preparing to go. To High School. Or wherever. Away. Resignation to that natural fact. And sadness.
My son, the Future Rock Star, turned twelve last week. I was younger at twelve than he is. Much younger. My future as a child was still reasonably long at twelve. Unlike his. I think next year he will turn thirty. I am immensely proud of him. Excited at his milestone. Accepting of the natural fact of his ultimate departure from home. But now, I am the one with that look in his eye. And I don't like it one little bit.
As I moped about this, I realized that having the FRS's birthday close upon Memorial Day gave me an Epic gift of appreciation. I felt sorry for myself because my son is growing up and preparing himself to leave me. But on this particular Monday of the American year, we pay our respects to all the sons and daughters that won't be with their families again. We appreciate them and give thanks for their sacrifice, made for us. And we should also appreciate and be so very thankful for all the sons and daughters still with us. Whether or not they still live at home. In this light, the experience of watching your child grow and mature, sad as it may be at times, is a privilege of this highest order. To be cherished and enjoyed. Every moment.
Posts
6 comments:
Great piece, really enjoyed it. Hope you guys had a blast!
Happy Birthday FRS!
Epic, never fear; he'll soon be a teenager and you'll be more than happy to see him leave for college ;-).
DnD, thanks! We did have a fantastic time.
Cashmere, GOOD tip. The Cosmic Plan behind teenagers!! What else to expect from the best name in all of blogging...?
ML
The children are older and we're younger.
Geez, great thoughts. My 12th birthday party saw a Sear's dive watch with black face. My first watch - - that I promptly lost.
Now's the time to be grateful, ML. And I know you will.
Happy birthday to your son, the Future Rock God (they really don't call them stars anymore).
The more I watch my own little boy grow, every day, I realize that not only is life Epic, it is bittersweet.
Tintin, you know it. I did chuckle about the watch. My first one was given to me about that time too...a gold tone Timex [my Dad said that was how "Rolex" was spelled in Norwegian] with a black leather strap...that I promptly lost. The FRS hasn't lost his first watch...he just won't wear it. Not much of an accessory guy, it seems. Unless Ipods count.
Ben, I saw a clip from Gene Simmons' TV show the other day where he exclaimed loudly "Look, I am a Rock n Roll GOD"...causing his son to just roll his eyes...
Thanks fellows as always for your visits and comments.
ML
Post a Comment