Growing Up

I'm not convinced that growing up is something you stop doing at 18 or 21 or even 30. I believe that in some way we all continue to "grow" until we die. Even then I think there is still a certain amount of growth that happens in Heaven--shucks, we've never been there before how can we know fully what it is like.

This week has been a tough one for me. We have crossed the threshold of a new phase in our lives--my teenager has a boyfriend. I've known for some time the day was coming. I've even to some extent looked forward to it for her. But it is one of those events in life that sneek up and slap you in the face with a ton of bricks and says, "It's Time!!!" Okay, maybe I wasn't as ready as I thought--let's just back up about 2 years and take this a little slower.

Funny how little things from unexpected places can bring forth such strong emotions. Kenny Chesney's new CD was released Tuesday. Yes, of course I went out and bought it--was there any doubt in your mind. :) I was listening to it on the way home from breakfast with a friend Thursday morning. Now normally I love driving in the car alone where I can crank the music up and really listen to the words but not this time. Instead I listened to the words to the 5th track--Down the Road--and cried like a baby. The song tells a story from 2 perspectives--first, a young man with a crush on the girl (any only child) who lives down the road and second, from the father of the young girl. The only way I could quit crying was to hear the words I told Jackie just days before--it's a date not a marriage proposal.

The timing of the release of that song did not--could not--have happened by chance. It was certainly something I needed to hear at that moment and it certainly changed my perspective on the subject. I am now convinced I am DEFINITELY NOT READY FOR THIS!!!

If you get a chance listen to the song but parents of teenagers beware--have a box tissues handy!

Betty