My Baby Turns 21!

My baby turned 21 this week.  

I wondered how I would feel at this stage of life - when my youngest would finally enter the adult world.  I think it's going somewhat easier than I had imagined, although the jury is still out.

With six children, with eight years between oldest to youngest, I had a crash course on flexibility and grace when they began hitting their 20s.  I've seen a pattern with all the kids - growing pains as they figure out what it means to be an adult, blessings - as we relate on an "adult" level rather than mommy and child.  And, each child is so different in how they've processed these years.  So, I've anticipated this last child with, "Just one more to go!"  And, I'm marveling at how the change is actually quite impressive.....we haven't arrived by any means, but maybe being the youngest, he's had a lot to observe and learn from the others.  Dunno, but, God in his amazing wisdom has blessed us with this young man.

Carl hit the ground running the day he was born!  He was always making sure he was the center of attention, always into something - climbing, running, curious, riding a two-wheeler by the age of three.  Handing him a ball - any ball - he always knew what it was for and how it was to be used; baseball and basketball won out.  Carl and his older brother (by five years), would always scuffle to the extend that Carl would end up with blood spurting out of his head, or have a huge knot on the forehead from some kind of boyish activity.  He had real growing pains; at the end of the day he would cry that his legs hurt.  Always on the go, the doctor's office became like family as he was there more than all the other kids put together.  

Carl knew no stranger (and still doesn't!).  Friendly to everyone and anyone.  He's known by his "winning smile".  An Eagle Scout and a responsible employee, he's grown into quite a fine young man who loves his mom and doesn't mind hugging her in public (that's an important thing for a young man!!).  But.....he still has experienced some adult bumps and bruises along the way.  And that is what brings me to reflection.  
I'm seeing a young man own up to his mistakes.  I'm seeing a young man contemplate and take some life issues seriously.  I'm seeing a heart thing going on - there's a peace in my son that hasn't been there before now.

So, with this as my first entry - I want to present this side of being a Mom of adult kids.  What I've learned by trial and error over the last 29 years as a Mommy, and where now in my journey I'm traveling now as "Mom". 

So, happy birthday, Carl.  Thank you for the gift you've given me.