20 Years and Counting
Amazing how things turn out and rarely the way we expect. In the middle of commotion we have difficulty seeing the long-term implications of our actions at that moment. When our boys were younger it seemed like our goal was survival, as we moved from one task to the next in a series of never-ending events. Ah, the joys of parenting.
Yesterday, we celebrated Micah’s 20th birthday, and from all angles, his 21st year seems to have a good forecast. Last month he got certified as a lifeguard working at Splashtown. Since that time, he has kept quite the schedule of working an average of six days a week, often taking double shifts. He self-motivates and self-regulates – both things he has not always done on his own.
Our relationship with him also seems easy. A few weeks ago we took him on a trip to Vegas (for work, of course) and really enjoyed our time together. His goal was to find just the right hat to suit his style. He seems comfortable in his own skin – not just with us, but his peers, as well. Last night I headed downstairs and found Micah celebrating with friends – of course, to me, it looked like the island of misfit toys, but for Micah, priceless.
Parents and teachers, don’t get too frustrated. Behaviors have a way of settling out as long as relationships are not continuously damaged along the way. It has been a wild ride raising that boy thus far. He has kept us on our toes and challenged so many of our assumptions about parenting. And of course, the journey continues.
