17!!!! How did this happen?? And how did it happen to fast??
I am so lucky I get a front row seat to your journey, and get to a be a part of it every step of the way, but man … this last year really tugs on a Mom’s heart strings for sure.
Your 17th birthday started with a 90 minute refresher with the driving school to make sure you had all the tools and skills necessary to ace your driving test, and you did, of course, passing with flying colors. It was so weird that you met us for lunch and you drove there yourself, and it was even weirder that you and your sister left lunch on your own, in your car, to go to Starbucks. Without me. That was, hands down, one of the hardest things I’ve had to watch in awhile.
I know my job is to give you and your sister roots and wings, and I know I’m really good at my job, but that doesn’t make it easy.
And to have to go car shopping and college touring in the same year? Ack.
But I am so so proud of you, of who you are, of the decisions you make, and the path that you’re on, so I know that you’ll be ok as you start to journey on more without me than with me.
Sniff, sniff, I’ll be ok.
And so begins Senior year in high school, driving to school, and more freedom than ever. But even with this extra freedom, you are still such a homebody, I love it. There are days that we don’t see you for hours on end, and days that you don’t leave the house. The perfect balance.
You are loyal, kind, and have a good heart. I love watching the relationship with your sister evolve into something a little different (except the days when you’re each saying, “I hate you!”). You’re still working, and adding a new job in the Fall, and hoarding your money as always. You still don’t like to cook, but double down on eating, and still love most soups and salads, and are a fairly adventurous eater. Well, as far as most 17-year-olds go. I’m sure the Taco Bell staff knows you by sight.
We’ve begun the college search and I’m hoping we’re getting closer to some decisions. I can’t imagine what it will be like without you living here, but I know you’ll come home and hang with us.
You challenge me on a regular basis, and seriously drive me crazy sometimes, but I love you to the moon and back. I always wanted to be a mom, and I am so grateful that you made that happen.
You can do anything you put your mind to, and the world is waiting for you.
I love you.
Love, Mom
LIKES: friends, lazy pajama days, Playa Bowl, traveling, making smoothies
DISLIKES:Â chores, tech-free days, watching tv, messy spaces, getting up early
A look back…
When he turned sixteen…
When he turned fourteen…
When he turned twelve…
When he turned eleven…
When he turned ten …
When he turned nine …
When he turned eight …
When he turned seven…
When he turned six…
When he turned five…
When he turned four…
When he turned three…
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