I had a terrible exchange with our teenage son. My husband and I became his and his brother's guardian. Suddenly parenting two teenagers at 15 and a 16 years old. As I sort of hovered over him, we ended up watching fishing YouTube videos together without saying anything about the conflict. Before we quit he said, "This summer, I want to help you catch the biggest fish you've ever caught." It happened that summer. I think we have a photo of it somewhere. This post reminds me I need to write about that sometime. When he shared that unsolicited summer goal, I knew he was telling me without telling me that he still wanted me in his life. I'm thankful I had the wisdom to just listen and accept the gift without further comment. When I pulled in that 5 lb bass, I reminded him that he'd told me he was going to make it happen and how thankful I was that he had.
27 and soon to be 26. One married with 2 kids and the other recently engaged. It’s a special gift when you are invited to be a parent and the invitation is never rescinded.
The most challenging aspect of parenthood is providing protection vs grantimg independence. With grace & compassion we all eventually get thru it. I'm a Dad of 3 grown up kids & relearning these lessons as a grandpa!
Touching. As a writer. Creator. People ask what my best or favorite “creation” has been. Never a hesitation of course. The kids. They are the greatest ART in all the complexity’s twists and turns
I had a terrible exchange with our teenage son. My husband and I became his and his brother's guardian. Suddenly parenting two teenagers at 15 and a 16 years old. As I sort of hovered over him, we ended up watching fishing YouTube videos together without saying anything about the conflict. Before we quit he said, "This summer, I want to help you catch the biggest fish you've ever caught." It happened that summer. I think we have a photo of it somewhere. This post reminds me I need to write about that sometime. When he shared that unsolicited summer goal, I knew he was telling me without telling me that he still wanted me in his life. I'm thankful I had the wisdom to just listen and accept the gift without further comment. When I pulled in that 5 lb bass, I reminded him that he'd told me he was going to make it happen and how thankful I was that he had.
That is a sweet outcome, and very difficult territory to navigate. How old are they now?
27 and soon to be 26. One married with 2 kids and the other recently engaged. It’s a special gift when you are invited to be a parent and the invitation is never rescinded.
The most challenging aspect of parenthood is providing protection vs grantimg independence. With grace & compassion we all eventually get thru it. I'm a Dad of 3 grown up kids & relearning these lessons as a grandpa!
Excellent and honest writing . Thanks for sharing your story
Touching. As a writer. Creator. People ask what my best or favorite “creation” has been. Never a hesitation of course. The kids. They are the greatest ART in all the complexity’s twists and turns