Raising a Man

It seems like a very short time has passed since I was changing his diaper and now my son is shopping for his first home. I want to ask how this happened and yet I know that we really did live all of those days of his infancy, childhood, teen years and his progression into adult life. We must have done something right, although he was my first child ... my practice child in a way. He's turned out better than a parent has a right to hope for ... my son. There is an odd phenomenon that occurs with a parent and a child of the opposite sex. Same sex children we know ... it is familiar territory. Opposite sex children present uncharted waters and a sense of awe that we created this 'alien' creature. I will never understand how a toddler boy instinctively knows how to make that 'vroom' noise while pushing his little car along the floor. And, what is it about peeing outdoors that is so darned magical? But, life with a small boy is a great adventure if one doesn't weaken. They have more energy than is seemingly possible but, oh how they can love their mommies. You haven't lived unless you have hugged a little guy who is damp with sweat from playing so hard and smells somewhat like a wet puppy. I won't forget the smell or the feel of those hugs and I will cherish them forever. It passes all too quickly. One day, they don't want you to hug them or kiss them anymore ... especially in front of anyone else. Then, there are the phases where mom is too stupid for words. But, those things pass away. My job of raising my son is finished but not my job of being his mother. I love that he occasionally still wants to talk. I love that he wants my input into his decision making from time to time. But mostly, I just love being around him because he is a great person who is fun and makes me laugh, think and appreciate different perspectives in life. It is an honor to be asked to help in the house hunting project. It is going to be gratifying to see him take this next step as well as future steps in his adult life. But, no matter how old and independent he gets, I'm still going to look at him and see that little blonde boy with the huge grin on his face and remember those wet puppy hugs. I hope he knows that he has been one of my greatest joys in my life.