How Can It Be!

Today, in just two hours, I will drive my curly topped son to his first class of Driving School! It was only yesterday that he was my baby, delighting in all of life, unencumbered by testosterone, lighting up any room he entered. Oh--the joy remains, the curls intact, however, my baby has grown to be taller than his mom, voice deeper than his dad's, and patience (or lack of) that only a teen-ager understands! He's a good son--he's a great son! Still, my heart beats just a little faster knowing that this day is the beginning of a letting go process.

Yes, each day since the day they arrive, is a letting-go-sort-of-day. Somehow, putting them behind the wheel of a car provides a little more f-r-e-e-d-o-m than the moment you realize they are potty trained and you don't have to carry such a heavy diaper bag any longer! Sending them to their first day of school is a little too far from home for most, but teaching them to drive on an interstate opens doors that weren't even imagined in preschool!

Now is the time for trust in action. Trusting that the safety rules you have rehearsed with them will be practiced when you are no where nearby to watch. Believing that because they have worn a seat belt everytime they've ridden in a car--they will take the time to put it on in front of their friends as they drive the friend-packed car out of the movie theater parking lot! Having faith, that they can multi-task while driving; finding the right music station on the radio, answering their cell-phone, and driving safely all at the same time!

Oh--it's a milestone alright! Putting your baby in the front seat of a two ton vehicle is risky business! But mom's understand risk! Some just make my heart beat faster than others! So I will get ready for this day-while my breathing is shallow, my faith in Sam is great! He'll do just fine! Maybe I should have scheduled a therapy appointment during his 3 hour class! Or maybe I'll just go shopping! Better still, I'll come home and pray.......thanking God for my son, for the privelege it has been and will continue to be--to be his Mom. I'll delight in the knowledge that while he no longer smiles with the abandon of days gone by--he is happy. And today, he is really happy--he's starting Driving School! He's ready to be in the drivers seat--another little something I will be letting go of for the next year of practice driving! Cars really should come with brakes on the passenger side! Shouldn't they!