My oldest son has had a pretty important month. He turned 12, was ordained a Deacon, and has started passing the sacrament. On Saturday we took him to the temple to do baptisms. I arranged a special family session, it was amazing! Every time I'm in the temple with my husband, I think about what it'll be like to have our sons there too. It was so neat to show him around a bit, to point out beautiful paintings, the gold leaf on the ceiling, and the wonderful spirit we feel there. Two hours after leaving the temple, my baby left for a week to scout camp! As he was stowing his pack and hanging around with the other scouts getting ready to leave, I saw him with new eyes. I could see the tiny newborn he once was. I could see me in him, and I could also see his dad, but there was something new there, some part of the man he's becoming. As mothers, I think we can be too close to get a clear view of the people we call our children. We can see them just as they relate to us, not as fully-realized individuals who just happen to share half our DNA. I saw a glimpse Saturday of this person, almost like I was looking at him through the wrong end of a spyglass. It's crazy to think that in seven more years, no one he meets will think of him as my son, he'll just be himself. He'll be free to succeed or to fail all on his own. I'm just so glad that he still likes to be with me, values my opinion, and still wants to snuggle in my bed first thing in the morning!
Final Post
3 years ago
4 comments:
I loooooooved this post. I cried reading it. You are so right. I can't believe you have a 12 year old. I'll be where your at in about 4 years. By the way, having D write a paragraph worked a lot better than having him scrub. I made him post his paragraph in his room so he'll remember! :) Thanks!
I love this post too! There are so many times I have looked at the kids and I'm so sad their growing up. I want my little babies back, but I also love all the fun with them now. Why can't we have it both ways!?!
What a sweet, reflective post! When I asked Aaron about the little mascot guy on their camp shirts...he just said, "Honey, they're 12 year olds!" So funny!! I hope he has a fabulous time! Aaron calls each night, so call me if you want a rundown on what they're up to! :)
And it seems like just yesterday you plopped him in the shower with me, while I was screaming, "HE HAS HIS PERMANENT MEMORY! HE'S THREE! HE'LL REMEMBER THIS!!!!"
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