When You Realize

There comes a point when you realize nothing lasts forever.

For me, it was seeing this 4th grade picture of Boy Wonder. Just last year, his front two baby teeth remained; reminding me that he was still young, and I guess, still mine.

What a difference a year has made for this boy. He’s becoming responsible, a good teacher, a man-child begging for a phone. He’s the kid who gets in trouble for using the word “sexy” at school and displays the ugliest sassitude I’ve ever had the displeasure to witness. He’s growing up.

Who will this child become? Will he know how loved he is? Will he grow up to be a good man?

Will he have the love of a great woman or a chick I can’t stand?

Will he call me? Visit me? Live nearby? Never move out?

I love this child with all my heart and I wish I could just hold on and never, ever let go. But I know that I can’t. The very thought of even loosening my grip on this kid moves me to tears.

He’s talented. Smart. Different. Special.

This is the part where I’d like to say he’s mine but I’m realizing more and more that he’s his. And it’s really, really sad.

I know he’s only 9 but I sense this is the beginning of the long and much too short road to independence.

Hug tight friends; they only get bigger.