I need to stop doing that.  Every time I blink the boys grow way too fast.  I love their ages now (except when the teenager acts teenagery), but I miss my babies.  I miss cradling them in my arms and being able to solve every problem.  I don’t like the problems they bring home now: hurt hearts, “adult problems,” and such.  For that matter, I don’t like the fact that they have to bring home their problems … I want them home all the time. Some parents are rejoicing in the fact their children are returning to school, and that’s ok for them. I’m mourning the empty house and not having their voices and love surrounding me at all hours.

So here is the event prompting this post ….
Brennen passed his driving test and purchased a car with money he worked hard to save.   That boy (excuse me [cough, cough]), young adult, is fiscally on point.  Furthermore, he has his life mapped and is on track to attend college with a child psychiatry major.  He works so hard toward achieving his goals.

Proud young man with his new Car

With his license and car

And here is my sweet younger child.  How is it possible that he is in his middle year of middle school.  7th grade?  Inconceivable!  He is such a loving, generous, thoughtful child. I can see the adult he will be.  He’s always concerned with the feelings of other people, while never being selfish or self-absorbed.  This is also a worry.  He is so hard on himself, always a perfectionist, and always concerned with letting others down.  Hmmm, sounds familiar.  It breaks my heart that I’ve passed on those painful traits that cause him self-doubt and stress.