Moms always say that the years they have with their little ones fly by way too fast. It seems like one minute you’re changing diapers, and the next, you’re watching your man-child drive off to college.
As Love, Faith & Chaos blogger Heather Duckworth has experienced firsthand, 18 is a hard year — but it can also be totally bittersweet.
In a Facebook post entitled “WHEN YOUR SON IS 18,” Heather pours her heart about the year that turns your boy into a man, and the sweeping mix of emotions that follow:
“WHEN YOUR SON IS 18
When you become a mom, the years all of a sudden start flying by. At lightspeed. You try hard to slow down time, but no matter how hard you try, you can’t figure out the magic potion to freeze time.
And because of this, one day you look up and instead of seeing your sweet little boy you find yourself looking up . . . way up . . . into the eyes of your son who is now a full-grown man. Just turned 18. An adult in the eyes of the world, yet still just a boy in the eyes of his mom.
We raise these tiny babies into adults and they need us less and less the bigger they get. Yet at the same time, I am realizing that no matter how old they get, they will always need their mom. And no matter how big they get, we will always be here for them. But one thing for sure . . . I never expected 18 years to pass so quickly!
When your son is 18, he likes to think he is all grown-up until you remind him you still pay his rent. And his phone bill.
When he is 18, he will do his own laundry, but will still ask you how to fold a shirt.
When he is 18, he will sleep till noon — if you let him!
When he is 18, he will still give you the best bear hugs and you will always hold onto him just a little longer . . . savoring that moment.
When he is 18, laughing together over funny memes and YouTube videos will be some of the best of times.
When he is 18, you will worry about his future. A lot.
When your son is 18, he will occasionally melt your heart with a text that simply says, “Love you!”
When he is 18, you will still need to remind him to clean his room . . . and throw away the 20 empty water bottles that reside there.
When he is 18, you will find yourself praying for his safety every time you watch him get in the car and drive away.