In just over three months, he’ll turn 11 years old.
Which means that he’s not really a child, but still not old enough to be called a young man. He no longer hides behind me when a new person walks up. He smiles his boyish smile, puts his hand out and makes eye contact with the person he’s meeting.
Most of the time.
His knobby knees are awkwardly beautiful. He’s been wearing deodorant for the past couple of months but his body doesn’t need it. He can take a shower, get dressed and feed himself breakfast, but still doesn’t mind it when I lay out his clothes for him. He ’s a tremendous reader but still enjoys cuddling up next to me and his little brother while I read If You Give A Moose A Muffin.
This in-between stage is where he lives. I don’t mind it because I love to see the young man he is becoming. I love it when I am pleasantly surprised by an act of kindness he does for someone without even being asked. I even love how he teaches me something about the Solar System that I didn’t know. Yet he is still not wise enough or self-controlled enough to make all of his decisions.
He needs me.
And quite frankly, I need him.
Sweet. That is the truth – we need each other to mature and develop. Children teach us so much about ourselves. Blessings.
He’ll need you for life….just sayin’….and you’ll need him too : )
He is handsome and he seems very confident holding that fishing stick. I wonder how he feels about the fish, he looks at it with so much compassion
I have 2 in the tween stage. It is so hard to see them growing up and yet so rewarding at the same time! He is a very handsome fellow!
I too remember this special time in my life. There will never be anything to take the place in my heart as this, even as a man of 54 yrs – It is still so very precious to me as I reflect on the love of my Mother.
not to mention he’s stinking adorable too!
Ahhh … just finished laying my 4 year old down for a nap. We (along with his little brother) had such a sweet morning, and I wish they could stay this small. But then, to read this, gives me hope and anticipation for the young men they will become. This was lovely; thank you.