Birthdays

Every birthday is a new beginning. I'm trying to be philosophical as I think about my son turning 13. His birthday is Monday. This is a new beginning for him. He is becoming a teenager (Oh No!) He doesn't know what he thinks about becoming a teenager. Yesterday he said if there was a teenager that was bugging me I could just get even by calling him or her smart. I kind of looked at him funny and then he explained that smart meant super mental and retarded teenager. I laughed and he said, "At least you can't say that about me." Then, after a pause he said, "Oh, the t could stand for 12 year old." Then I said, "But on Monday you will be a teenager. So-thanks for giving me a heads up. That way I can practice it for a few days to get it in my brain."

We tease like this all the time. This is something I couldn't do with the other kids, so it is a beginning for me each time we can tease back and forth. Another beginning for me is that I have a teenager who is fun to be around-well, most of the time. He is pleasant and respectful. I love it. I didn't really think having a teenager could be pleasant. Now, in reality it could all change as he gets older. I have enough experience to know that 14 is a turning point for young men and their feelings, behavior, and attitude. I'm hanging on to the thought that 14 with this one will be another beginning.