As I strolled past my son’s open bedroom door, I paused to flip off the light. In that moment, I caught a glimpse of the figure sprawled across the bed and realized: that’s not my little boy anymore; that’s a young man.
Hold on. Just a moment. I need a second to process this. I need to take a moment to say goodbye.
Letting go of the child who straddled the line between boyhood and adolescence has been a journey I’ve been on for years. From the time he was a tiny baby cradled in my arms to the joyful toddler clad in a superhero costume, racing around with his beloved toy cars, to the energetic school-age boy who was always exploring and giving me heart palpitations—I cherished every phase of his childhood. While I eagerly anticipated what was next, I often found myself mourning the stages we left behind.
Not too long ago, I found myself wishing for just one more summer of what I believed to be the ideal age for him. Oh, how I longed for just a tad more time with my little guy. Somehow, I got my wish—one last summer filled with the delightful chaos of boyhood. But, as it always does, time marched on. He grew, and in turn, I grew alongside him. It was either adapt or be left behind.
Now, I reflect on what a privilege it is to witness his transformation. He is maturing into an incredible teenager right before my eyes. Daily, I see the changes: he shot up taller than my 5 feet 9 inches in just a week, his voice has deepened, and his laughter has evolved. We even engage in discussions about politics, and he holds his own with surprising insight. He’s progressing, advancing, and leaving behind the innocence of childhood as he reaches for his full potential. That’s the plan, and I must be doing something right because he is already such a remarkable person. He is destined to become a magnificent man.
I know I will always miss that beaming toddler, the whimsical thoughts of a 6-year-old, the adventures of #EpicForts, and my little boy. Each goodbye to a stage reminds me of both what I’ve lost and what lies ahead. Yes, my boy is growing up, and it truly is a beautiful thing. We have countless adventures still waiting for us.
I consider myself fortunate that he still thinks I’m somewhat cool, or at least pretends to. He still enjoys spending time with me and remains my adventure buddy, though now he often plans our outings. He might choose to hang out with friends, but he always makes a point to come back for a quick kiss goodbye and an “I love you” regardless of who may be around. He still seeks my advice but has learned to develop his own opinions.
Occasionally, he even takes my hand when we cross the street. I can’t tell if he’s doing it for his safety or mine, but either way, I’m holding on tight.
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In summary, watching my son evolve from a child into a young man is a bittersweet journey filled with nostalgia and hope. Each stage brings its own beauty, reminding me of the adventures we’ve had and those still to come.
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