I don't have a TEENAGER?!?

Well, at least I don't have one at this very moment. I can officially use that statement for another few days and I will make sure to remind myself of that fact every last waking moment. "I do not have a teenager!" "I do not have a teenager!" It's hard to even think about, because all those parents who do have teenagers are old people. That is exactly what I used to think. However, I'm not real crazy about that thought at this moment. Those parents aren't old in my eyes now. They're just not as young as they once were. That's all.

If you ever desire to feel a little sad and potentially have your eyes well up with tears, just sit back and contemplate the life of your "almost" teenager.  Think back and remember when he reached all of those "firsts" in his life.  You know, his first word, first step, first doctor's visit, first best friend, first injury, first crush, first trip away from home, etc. I remember vividly the morning my wife and I were on our way to the hospital to welcome our first child into the world. It had been a long wait and we were extremely pumped to see and hold this precious gift. Of course, we had to stop at the convenience store on the way to get some snacks, but we were excited. We also decided on his name as we were in route to the hospital. It was a very special time for us.

Through the years, I would still hold my son and show him how I used to cradle him when he was a baby. Needless to say, I'm no longer doing that. Instead of seeing the little baby we brought home from the hospital nearly thirteen years ago, now I am seeing a young man. I've been seeing this young man in the making for a good two years now. The learning, growing, and maturing has been so exciting to watch. While I still can remember the younger years of my son's life, more of my time is spent focusing on what he is still to become. 

Becoming a man is way more than simply aging. Many boys are successful at growing older, but fewer learn the lessons and necessary wisdom to become a man. Although he hasn't achieved everything pertinent to manhood, my son has definitely taken important steps in that direction. It's very difficult for me to clearly articulate just how proud of him I am. As he begins this journey into the teenage years, I equally recognize the potential he has and challenges he'll have to face. 

Recognizing these things, I am filled with a strong sense of brazenness and commitment to be the father he needs each and every step of the way. How can he be expected to be the man he needs to be without a dad who is the man he needs to be? It's definitely going to be interesting and exciting as the next few years unfold. Again, I'm completely overjoyed to be the father of my son!