You turn 18 today. For many of your teen years, you have been talking about this day. The day you are an adult. The day you can legally do many things. The day you are in control. You have had a vision for this day. I think your expectations are probably more accurate than either of us would have imagined and certainly for reasons we did not want.
I want to reflect on this past year leading to this milestone birthday. Your teen world has been thrown a tremendous curve ball. Your Dad has Younger Onset Alzheimer's. And you and I have changed as a result. Or maybe we have just evolved to the many levels of complex acceptance.
You probably do not notice how often you shake my norms these days. There are so many moments you caretake not only your Dad but me too. This is way more than actions; it is an instinct to think of us and our well-being. You help smooth through the rough spots which are increasing as the disease progresses.
This care taking quality has shown strong during COVID-19. Your maturity is remarkable as you have diligently ensured we have the right supplies to sanitize, created a process for keeping the virus out of our home and maintained strict social distancing. You have lightened my worry and have taken on a household responsibility. I am grateful.
Sharing family meals is a value in our home. You have stepped up to fill this gap that surfaced with the changes in our family roles. You provide more than nourishment for our bodies. You feed our souls with your joyful and creative cooking ... and again with the care taking.
Our home is calmer in some ways. My interactions with your Dad are more gentle as we focus on what IS versus what could be. And you and I are in a different place for sure. We are kinder to each other. We have always had a complicated relationship probably rooted in being so much alike. We seem to have arrived at a place of mutual understanding and perhaps an implied commitment to reach under the surface to how we feel. We are a team as you find your way through your last couple years of high school and reach towards your dreams.
You make our home a happier place. I thank you with all my heart.
As we are celebrating in a pandemic, I sent a quick text to friends and family asking for one word for this Youngest Son. This was the result.
I am proud to be your Mom. I love you and hope that you know the world is a brighter place in these last 18 years with your light shining bright on all of us!
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| The Face with MASK is so appropriate! |
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| Birthday Breakfast in Bed! |
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| Thanks Susan! |
