Saturday, November 15, 2008

My Grown Boy

Josh told me a few weeks ago that he and Kevin had made plans to go up north deer hunting. My heart immediately sank. I know, he is nineteen years, two months and two days old.

This is a strange time in a parent's life. Letting go. Realizing that your once baby boy is growing up. Doing his own thing.

What I realized is that he didn't "ask" if he could go. He "told" me that he was going.

There really hasn't been any asking about things in awhile now.

He used to say, "Mom, can I go ________?" "Can I do ________?"

Within reason of course, he now tells me. Don't get me wrong, the things he tells me that he is doing is things I would most likely agree to. He knows his limits for the most part.

But still.

Its so darn hard! Not on him, ME!

Hunting was something he did in the comfort (for me) of being with Dad, PaPa and brothers. Safe. Dad drove, set up camp and watched over him.

This weekend: Josh drove, set up camp and has no one watching over him.

Thank God for all the experiences that he has shared with his Dad when it comes to hunting. I would like to believe that John has taught his boys well in that area.

Its the driving and other hunters out there that worries me so much.

I texted him before I went to bed last night, because he and Kevin were sleeping out in a tent at a campground. "Are you cold?"

I didn't get a response until first things this morning. He said that they didn't get cold because of the extremely warm sleeping bags that they took and that it didn't rain.

I'm thankful for cell phones and I'll be glad when he pulls into the driveway tomorrow.

***

All you mothers out there with young children, your day is coming. It happens so fast.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ugh, that stresses me out! Tell Josh that he needs to call me from now on to get permission for EVERYTHING.

P.S. He always has someone watching over him - Jesus.