November 29, 2005

Golden Boy



He's human and far from perfect and I do so adore The Boy.

In his high school years, Wendy and I referred to him as Golden Boy. A combination of hard work and talent combined with a healthy dose of charm and plain old good luck earned him that nick. That and his blonde hair.

I am loathe to jinx him. Can I be too proud of him? I superstitiously worry about repercussions of my unadulterated adoration. Yet it's no secret, that adoration. Nor is it blind. When he screws up, which all of us are wont to do now and again, my adoration does not lessen. It actually grows as I see him take responsibility for his actions, make amends when possible, and rebound from the experience. It grows as I see him out in the world, making reasoned decisions, mature and thoughtful yet maintaining youthful exuberance, free to be silly when silly suits.



He never was one to complain or whine about chores although he would procrastinate and require reminders. As an adult he pitches right in, usually volunteering rather than waiting to be asked. Remember my adventures in lumberjacking? There was plenty left to split. Not so much anymore because The Boy put a big dent in the work to be done. Muscles are amazing.

I can't even complain that he left his stuff all over the house or made a mess in the kitchen while he was home over Thanksgiving. Because he didn't. He cleaned up after himself. See? You mothers of younger children who have not yet mastered such fine skills can stop worrying. They grow up, leaving us scratching our heads wondering, "Where did this person come from?"

Wherever he came from, I am blessed. The world is his oyster and he is the pearl in my own.


(And with that statement, my friends, I believe I have just become the reigning Queen of Sentimentality, the crown snatched right off my own mother's head. This week's sign the apocalypse is upon us? Be afraid, be very afraid.)

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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our children and grandchildren see us with eyes full of the love we have given them. Sentimentality runs rampant amongst all of us in this position...it is unavoidable. Thanks for the good wishes...

Steph Youstra said...

What a wonderful family photo .... it looks like you're right to be proud. And if he takes responsibility for his mistakes, and makes reasoned decisions while still staying silly .... you did a good job! Sentimentality is well-deserved.

Anonymous said...

Totally rocking photo of the three of you! My oldest daugher came home for her first long weekend from college over Thanksgiving. That spawned me re-posting a sentimental poem I wrote shortly before she graduated.

It's on my other site. You are not alone with these waves of emotion. It hits hard, doesn't it!

SilvermOOn aka Green-Eyed Lady

A said...

Your post really touched me. From what I've read in your blog, your son sounds like an awesome person.. someone we'd all like to know. I think you both are extremely lucky. :)

Anonymous said...

All we can really hope for our kids is that they grow up to be happy adults - looks like you're well on your way. My boys are young yet, but even at 10 and 8 I see glimpses of who they're going to become. It's very exciting!

Script Girrl said...

What a wonderful son! My two babies will turn 6 months old on December 16/17. I'm excited to see what kind of people they will grow up to be - but I'm not in a rush. I'm totally enjoying their babyhood.

Gina said...

I love those last two lines!

Being a parent, although hard, is truly such a wonderful thing.

Reminds me of a quote from Bill Murray in "Lost in Translation."

"Your children grow up into the most delightful people you will ever meet."

Or something like that, but it made me tear up. :)

weese said...

hes a looker that one.
we are going through something similar with ours. suddenly he is doing things without being asked. he is helping more, he is handling his own broadening schedule...
its really freakin me out.

SassyFemme said...

You can NEVER be too proud of your kid! Isn't it great when they grow up and we like who they are as people, and enjoy being around them?!?! Your son obviously has two great moms who've done a fab. job raising him! :)

Melodee said...

Don't tell, but that's how I feel about one of my sons, not all of them, though! I'm bad!

Wenchy said...

That is just beautiful.