Oct. 28, 2008
Growing a bit too fast
I closed the door behind me, picked up the cell, and called my mom.
"I don't know how you did it," I said with a little tear in my eye and a hiccup in my throat.
She laughed...with me, as she knew what I had just done.
It was a weekend my oldest son had been looking forward to for a year and a half. He was now in second grade and old enough to go... PK retreat.
The whole way to the campground, we reviewed our expectations.... Be respectful of your counselor, enjoy yourself, brush your teeth, change your underwear everyday, eat whatever is given to you, be responsible, participate in discussions and chapel, love people who may not choose to love you... and the list goes on.
He reminded me that he was very aware of these, as they are a daily part of his discipline, but still, I would not be there for those subtle reminders, should he need one.
He signed himself in, proving his independence, got his room assignment and then looked at his father. We all helped him carry his belongings to his cabin... little brother had the pillow, little sister had the sleeping bag, and he carried his bag. When we met his counselor, I gasped, at his youthfulness. I wondered how well such a young man could take care of a bunch of little 7 and 8 year olds, but he was there, and I was once his age taking care of the same, so I had confidence in his confidence.
After his dad had laid out his sleeping bag, we'd kissed him, and given him his final "reminders," we all turned around and left. It was over. He was there, and we were leaving.
My baby was growing up.
We picked him up yesterday afternoon. What a joy it was to see him! He spoke of his adventures all day. All the things he learned and did! All the lessons he had been introduced to, the new activities he'd never experienced, and the new friends he had loved.
I thank all the counselors and leaders for allowing such a ministry to our precious children. I know he has come back with a special touch in his life, and it meant so much for him to broaden his horizons and explore new territory.
"I don't know how you did it," I said with a little tear in my eye and a hiccup in my throat.
She laughed...with me, as she knew what I had just done.
It was a weekend my oldest son had been looking forward to for a year and a half. He was now in second grade and old enough to go... PK retreat.
The whole way to the campground, we reviewed our expectations.... Be respectful of your counselor, enjoy yourself, brush your teeth, change your underwear everyday, eat whatever is given to you, be responsible, participate in discussions and chapel, love people who may not choose to love you... and the list goes on.
He reminded me that he was very aware of these, as they are a daily part of his discipline, but still, I would not be there for those subtle reminders, should he need one.
He signed himself in, proving his independence, got his room assignment and then looked at his father. We all helped him carry his belongings to his cabin... little brother had the pillow, little sister had the sleeping bag, and he carried his bag. When we met his counselor, I gasped, at his youthfulness. I wondered how well such a young man could take care of a bunch of little 7 and 8 year olds, but he was there, and I was once his age taking care of the same, so I had confidence in his confidence.
After his dad had laid out his sleeping bag, we'd kissed him, and given him his final "reminders," we all turned around and left. It was over. He was there, and we were leaving.
My baby was growing up.
We picked him up yesterday afternoon. What a joy it was to see him! He spoke of his adventures all day. All the things he learned and did! All the lessons he had been introduced to, the new activities he'd never experienced, and the new friends he had loved.
I thank all the counselors and leaders for allowing such a ministry to our precious children. I know he has come back with a special touch in his life, and it meant so much for him to broaden his horizons and explore new territory.