Column – Blessed with a teenager

Talk about it

The other day, while sitting at my computer pondering what I was going to write about, I asked my son if I could write about him.

Thinking he would be embarrassed to have his mother write about him in the newspaper, I kind of asked as a joke.

But to my surprise, the 15-year-old freshman, who had just finished track practice with the high schoolers, enthusiastically said, “Yes.”

The boy who stands three to three and a half inches taller than me then proceeded to say, “Yeah, write about how cool I am and how much you love me and all that kind of stuff.”

I guess being embarrassed didn’t even cross his mind.

As for his coolness? I’m not so sure I can attest to that. That might be better left for his friends to decide. My guess, though, is that his friends, peers and maybe even his teachers, would say that he is A. funny, maybe even hilarious at times; B. friendly; C. caring; D. compassionate; E. talkative; F. a tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy, meaning he can be quite open and frank and most often, honest; and then G. cool.

If you notice, the word studious, or even the word quiet, isn’t in there. Although at times, he can be – both. He is quite smart, but he would much rather talk or joke around than sit down at the table to work on his homework. Which I assume is pretty typical for a teenager.

He would also much rather spend time playing on the computer, listening to his iPod and watching TV – all at the same time.

It’s amazing to me how well today’s teenagers can multi-task when it comes to gadgets and technology, but not when it comes to emptying the dishwasher, taking out the garbage or putting away their freshly laundered clothes.

Back to what he thought I should write about. I think I covered how “cool” he is, which I guess I have to admit I think he is – most of the time.

Now, as for how much I love him? That is something I definitely can answer – in two words. Too and much.

I can also answer how much I love being the parent of a teenager. A teenage boy, that is. If I had a teenage girl and if she was anything like me when I was a teenager, I am guessing I would have the grayest of gray hairs or I would be bald.

When I look back on my teenage years, I wish I could turn the hands of time back and repeat those years so I could be a little easier on my parents. Sometimes, I think they wish the same thing.

Secretly, I think my mom wishes I would have had a daughter and she would have been just a little bit like me. Just so I could get a taste of what she went through. Believe it or not, I was kind of a wild child who was stubborn, hard-headed, defiant, sassy and sometimes, oh-so-sweet – when it worked to my advantage, that is.

But don’t get me wrong, my parents and I had many good times. They may have been few and far between, but they were definitely there. Lucky for me, we now have the strongest of bonds, something I treasure deep inside my heart.

As the mother of a teenage boy, I honestly think I have it pretty easy. Although my son has a stubborn, and sometimes defiant side, he is the most lovable person I know. He truly is a blessing, and of everything I have in my life, I am most proud of him.

I honestly never thought being a parent could be so much fun. Or that it could be so rewarding. Of course, it has its trying times, but they are always outweighed by the great times, the memorable times, the loving times, the quiet times.

I often question why I was so blessed with such a wonderful son. And I say that with all sincerity. Then I remember all the times my mother used to say, “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

I never understood that saying. But now I do. My son is truly a gift and will always hold a special place in my heart – no matter what.

Tags: opinion, column, celeste, beam