Parenting is hard but Oh so worth it!.....There are many books written about parenting. I never read any of them. Do they tell you at what point you will be able to sit back, relax, breath, pat yourself on the back and say I did good, and send your child out into the world? My children are well behaved and have manners, no legal or substance abuse issues, graduated high school and have future goals and dreams, and other people tell me Im a great parent but Ive been waiting for that moment (the aha moment) when I stop worrying and know deep down that I did a good job and am ready to let go (at least somewhat). That moment happened this past weekend. You all know that my son Tyler recently became a Marine. I was so proud. Prouder than all the other events in his life. Also, I felt a little sad. Why? Im not sure. Maybe seeing my son become a man and having to give credit to someone else hurt my ego a little. Maybe the fact that his shell seemed a little harder. He looked the same (a little more muscle) but there was something about him, a maturity and confidence that wasnt there before he left. Was he now ready for the world? Was I ready to let go (at least somewhat)? Then the AHA moment came. Tyler graduated on Friday, that evening him and his buddies went out on the town. I packed him clothes so he was able to change into civilian attire. One of the items I brought was his high school jacket (for nostalgic reasons). He changed, left, and was free to wander around a city he had stared at from his barracks window for the past 13 weeks. The next morning when getting dressed for breakfast he put on a very nice hooded sweater. I asked where he got it, he said a woman bought it for him the previous night after he gave his coat (not just a coat but his FHC jacket) to a homeless man. My reaction was shock. Seeing my reaction my son joined in saying I know right? This sweater cost $55! Here was my son shocked and appreciative that a woman would buy him a $55 sweater yet not think twice about giving his coat to a homeless man. He was out enjoying himself with his friends and he took notice of someone suffering. He didnt think about how cold he would be without a coat. He just helped another human being. That is when I felt it. The deep down tingly feeling of joy (AHA). I could relax and breath. I will not give that credit to the Marines. That was all my son. The selfless, kind, thoughtful man I raised him to be. World, I give you Tyler Silas Wilson.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Nov 2014 19:50:35 +0000
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