The Boy is Growing Up
It’s true. You look up…and they’re almost grown. I’ve been busy this past week, and will be the next few, getting my son all ready for graduation. Prom has come and gone. Graduation is around the corner. Parties are being planned. Memories are rushing through my head. I won’t bore you with pics of a boy you didn’t know (although, you may have one of your own who is in the same stage in life or close to it), but I will brag about the man he is becoming. Because that is exactly what is happening, right before my very eyes. And I’m proud of him.
My son never has a harsh word to say about anyone. He wouldn’t even know how to form the words to describe that kind of feeling because he just doesn’t look at people that way. If he sees a negative quality in someone, he observes it, then lets it alone. Everyone that crosses his path in life is treated fairly by him, and he sees them as a potential friend and treats them as such. He treats all people with respect–whether they deserve it or not, or whether they have earned it or not.
I have watched my son hold doors open for women of all ages, and a few men, too. He is generous with his things and loans out anything that is his without even a care about having things damaged, lost or not returned. If there is one piece of chicken left on the serving plate, he will ask if anyone else would care for it before he will take it for himself. He will ask me if I can give his friends who have no means of transportation a ride home if it is cold or rainy so they won’t have to walk (and, of course, I say yes).
My son has played a few sports throughout his school years. While he is fairly competitive and likes to win more than lose, he believes in good sportsmanship and doesn’t mind losing to someone who is good-hearted in whatever sport they are playing. He likes a good joke and lots of laughs with his friends and his family. He’s intelligent, well-spoken, polite, and well-liked.
And he prays. He prays in such earnest that I am in awe of him when I see the obvious relationship he has with his God. It sometimes almost brings me to tears to know that my son is touched so deeply by the faith he has in God.
He has plans to go to college in the fall. And as I watch him turn into this great young man who I once knew as a playful little boy, I feel so much joy in my heart that I can barely stand it. For I could not have asked for a better son. And I wait in great anticipation of the full-grown man he will soon be. I wonder at what he will do and accomplish in his lifetime. I believe he will be a great father and husband, friend and co-worker, uncle and mentor. He is a loving person, always willing to take a hug from me, or surprise me with one of his own, along with a kiss on the cheek.
And…he let me take his senior pics! What a great kid!
rtcrita's blog 
great pics…pride is shining from mother to son and son to mother
April 19, 2011 at 8:08 am
Thanks, Patty. There is something special about a mother-son relationship. He makes me proud, definitely.
April 19, 2011 at 6:19 pm
He sounds like a great guy! You did a good job raising him and you’re absolutely right to be proud 🙂
April 19, 2011 at 11:22 am
He is, and I just pray he finds someone (when it’s time) who is equally as kind to him as he is to others. Thanks.
April 19, 2011 at 6:20 pm
You must be super-proud. Best wishes to your son as he transitions to college.
April 19, 2011 at 11:53 am
Yes, “super-proud” is a very good way to describe it. Thank you for the wishes!
April 19, 2011 at 6:21 pm
I have positive words and actions for other people is an accomplishment.
April 19, 2011 at 2:03 pm
I meant “to have…”
April 19, 2011 at 2:11 pm
I agree. He is my heart.
April 19, 2011 at 6:22 pm
Awww, Rita, you’ve raised him well. He’s well rounded, ethical and handsome. You have a lot to be proud of, lady.
April 19, 2011 at 4:14 pm
You’re right, and I am very proud! Someday, you’ll be saying the same about those cuties of yours, too. Not too soon, though, right? Plenty of time for memories and fun times first.
April 19, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Very nice boy and dependable.
Recently I became to be able to my parent’s heart because I had children. 🙂
April 23, 2011 at 2:37 am
That’s nice!
April 23, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Such a nice post! And of course, perfect pictures. I’m sure he’s just as proud to have you as his mother!
April 24, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Thanks, Sara. I was just thinking about you yesterday and how I need to get over to your blog and check out what you’ve been doing lately. As it is, it’s already past midnight here and I should have been in bed long ago. I have to work tomorrow. But I promise to get over there this week and catch up on what you’ve been up to and what’s new with you. I still need to do my post for this week! Eeeek! 😮
April 26, 2011 at 12:09 am
Congratulations to your son, and to you. Our kids are definitely individuals right from the start, aren’t they? Yet they also reflect a lifetime of our input. So pat yourself on the back and claim credit for all the good stuff in him as due to your influence!
April 27, 2011 at 12:33 pm
As a single mom who’s raised him and his sister since he was just turning 8 and his sister just turning 11, I guess I do deserve a little credit for how they’ve both turned out, don’t I? Hopefully, they’ll both remember that when it comes time to put me in an old folks home and choose a nice place where it’s warm and sunny!
April 27, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Your son’s got too many good qualities– he’s clearly over the limit! Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. Tell him I wish him well in college, and that he did a good job raising his mother… : )
April 27, 2011 at 6:45 pm
He and his older sister would definitely say you hit that nail on the head with how well they’ve raised me! Thanks so much for the well wishes, too! 🙂
April 27, 2011 at 10:48 pm