JOURNEY OF A SON

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It was only yesterday our little boy was a toddler--- today he is a tall and confident young man of 17. Where did the years go? Did I perhaps slip into a coma and miss a dozen years, or perhaps it was the years I spent in front of the washing machine or pushing a grocery cart down an aisle. Somehow my memory has blocked out a lot of those ‘growing’ years. I know I was there because I have records of the soccer games, volleyball tournaments and other events he participated in; photo albums filled with pictures and medallions on the wall. School report cards and special achievement awards with notes from his teachers. Too soon the years have disappeared.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel overseas with my son. We were enroute to explore London and experience life in the British Isles. There was such excitement attached to this journey. It was his first airline flight, his first trip across the ocean--- his first big step out into the world. Hourly he would look me in the eyes and exclaim "Guess what, we’re going to London!" -- his face glowing with anticipation and excitement. Once we arrived the days were filled with exploring the sights; Big Ben, Picadilly Circus and London Bridge. Looked at 17th century paintings in the National Art Gallery, rode double decker buses, tasted fish and chips on the sidewalk, wandered the beaches of Brighton. London offers such a diverse mixture of cultures, sights and sounds. We walked where history had taken place. So as we walked the cobblestone streets I watched my son grow in many ways. His perspective was completely different from mine, his eagerness to adapt and his willingness to mix with all the city had to offer. The hustle and bustle of downtown London invigorating and exciting-- so different from the sights, sounds and smells of our little Canadian prairie town. To see the country through his eyes was wonderful, it was like a sponge soaking up water. This experience gave him a new sense of confidence. He managed to conquer airports and schedules, plus security rituals and what to say and what not to say. He learned the intricacies of the bus system and how the ‘tube’ operated. Every day was a new adventure.

Over the years this boy has gone through numerous transformations. He has done ‘his time’ in the school system and now he is ready to face the world. School has been somewhat of an imposition-- it has stopped him from doing the things he really would prefer to do. But he also realizes it is a phase he has to get through, a stepping stone in to the 'real world’--- so this year he has decided to do the best he can and attain the best marks possible. He has learned perseverance and determination.

This week has again given me the opportunity to watch this young man take a giant step into the adult world (but this step was not one of his choosing). This step was forced upon him from circumstances beyond anyone’s control. One of his classmates died suddenly, leaving the entire school body and our little town in a saddened state. He has faced it with compassion and caring. Not afraid to comfort someone going through this time of loss. Today we attended the memorial service to offer concern and sympathy, and through it all he wasn’t afraid to come forward. This shows me how mature he is, his strength helped him to accomplish a task that many adults have an extremely difficult time dealing with.

As I see him becoming an adult I marvel at how quickly it happened. Today I had coffee with a friend who held her little grandson wiggling on her knee. Another friend has his little "dude’ help him with computer work. Yes, I am envious of these families with their little 1 year olds, they have so much to look forward to. And yes, the years will fly by for them just like they did for me. Blink, and they’re gone!!

Imagine a tree in springtime with new leaves, unfurling under the spring sunshine. That’s what it was like to watch him grow-- new growth every day. And as a parent we want the best for our children. We hope and pray they will make the right choices. Sometimes we wish we could keep them small (kindergarten days were so enjoyable), keep their enthusiasm and bright eyes focused only on play time. Keep them from the negative attitudes out in the ‘big bad world’. But alas, they grow from the sandbox to the streetcars. We have no control over the passing of time.

So, as I write this and reflect on the journey this young man has all ready traveled I am filled with pride. To witness the transformation from a gawky, gangly little kid to a confident and self reliant young man has been quite a journey. Glad I was along for the ride.

And as I look around and see his friends and see other young men, I would like to pass on this final thought; For most of us that have sons, we know our world is in good hand--- we know--- because we raised them to be good men.