Watching children grow through their teen-age years to
young adulthood is an emotional dichotomy:
on the one hand we revel in their new-found independence and look with
pride upon their maturing personalities.
On the other we do our best to suppress thoughts of homicide. Somewhere in-between we exist, toggling
between “insightful discussions” and rip-roaring battles, hoping against hope
that any character flaws will be outgrown, or at worst quickly cured in
therapy.
The age-old question is whether our influence will be a
help or hindrance as they hack away feverishly at the umbilical cord we have
protected and maintained since their birth.
Did I yell too much? Was I too
judgmental? Did I build confidence or
injure self-esteem? Were my punishments
and discipline of any value? Did I tell
him how proud I am? Did I share my love
for him? Was it enough?
My eldest son is graduating from high school. What a different experience from his two
older sisters; for the girls, it was all tears and memories, private jokes and
best-friends-forever…for boys, not so much.
Brotherhood and friendship, indeed, but none of the giggling and hugs;
just a bunch of guys ready to take the next step, grateful for where they came
from. A refreshing change.
My sincere thanks to the Christian Brothers for a fine
education. Now he’s on to Jesuit college
in the fall, Canisius to be precise, “Where Leaders are Made”. Perhaps.
I would be quite satisfied with a self-sufficient, hard-working man,
leader or not. A man of faith. A man of respect and honor.
If we can get through freshman year without a visit to
the ER I will count that as success. One
step at a time. For now, I’m proud.
St. John Baptiste de la Salle, Pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts forever.
St. Peter Canisius, pray for us.
I have 5 down; and have those same 5 plus a child in law, plus a future child-in-law still to go.
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