How Sweet It Is

Dear Son,

You turned sixteen weeks ago. Of course, this entry was supposed to be fully written to go live on your actual birthday - but life has a way of sneaking up on me anymore. So, there’s that.

Having teenagers is nuts, but not in the way that most people think it is. I have actually enjoyed this parenting stage as much as any other. That is not to say being a teenager doesn’t come with it’s own share of mini-dramas, but what stage in life doesn’t? When I say nuts, I’m talking about fever-pitch activities and the time management required for being a teenager nowadays.

I don’t think I would have graduated from school with the requirements you face. Throw social media into that mix, and it would have been a bad outcome. Maybe I'm not giving myself enough credit - although, admittedly, I did a lot of stupid shit - just ask Zaydee. Wait. On second thought, don’t ask your grandmother. She would gleefully dish out details you would never want to know about your mom.

You have lived your life around the presence of social media and the immediacy of having world-knowledge at your fingertips. I’m still tripping over the ability to see and talk to your sister remotely on FaceTime.

Anyway. All of this is to say that you are a champ. Obviously, I’m biased.

That jacket is sweet.

However, I’m not just talking about your incredible accomplishments as a musician, or your wickedly funny sense of humor. It’s bigger than that. Dad has described you as an old soul on more than one occasion. He’s completely right. You have a calm and a wisdom far beyond your 16 years. We aren’t a religious family, but I have always believed in karma and kindred spirits. From the moment I held you the first time, you were mine and I was yours. It was as simple as that. It could be how all parents feel about their children, but there is a connection between us so profound that I am overwhelmed by it.

Ew, right?? Not really. #sorrynotsorry

 Kauai 2012. You always have my heart. 

As one of the other parents from your jazz combo recently noted: you no longer sound like a rock drummer trying to play jazz. You have continued to develop your chops as a musician and have truly found your voice as a jazz drummer. There are few things that give me more joy than watching you play music.

Boys & Girls Club fundraiser, August 2015

You passed your written driving test and began driving a few weeks ago. While these milestones are sweet, it is the reminder of how quickly you’re growing up. Both your dad and I are always talking about it. Older people wax poetic about that kind of stuff all the time.

Sharp dressed man! Jazz Festival, March 2017

Year after next, you’ll begin applying to colleges. Although I’ve been through that with your sister, it’s not going to be any easier when you leave for college. Regardless, I have great faith in the man you are becoming. I know you’ll go out and do great things...because you already are great.

All my love,

Momma