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When Your Son Is 18: “It Will Make You Smile & Cry at the Same Time”

When your son is 18, you will be lucky if he answers your text. But if he does, it will only be one word. And although you are grateful for that one word, you are still a little ticked off that he couldn’t take the time to say more.

When he is 18, he will still take your breath away when you watch him across the room.

When he is 18, he will NEVER want to listen to your advice.

When he is 18, he might be dating — and you will find yourself wondering how this is possible that you have a child old enough to date?? And then you remember dating when you were his age and it makes you worry even more.

When he is 18, there will never be any food in the house, even though you spend $300 a week on groceries.

When he is 18, he will think he knows it all. Insert eye-roll.

When he is 18, you will watch him get excited about something and it will remind you of when he was little. You will see the little boy that he was in the twinkle in his eye and the grin on his face and it will make you smile and cry at the same time.

When your son is 18, sometimes he will still leave stinky gym clothes on the floor, shoes by the front door and dishes in the sink. You will complain about it yet also know in the back of your mind that these are the very things you will miss one day when he is gone.

When he is 18, he will drive you crazy some days and you will wonder if you have done a good enough job being his mother. Have you taught him enough to live on his own?

When he is 18, he will absolutely break your heart when he walks out that door to leave for college. And instead of seeing the man that he is . . . you will see the little boy that he was walking away and taking a piece of your heart with him.

18.

It is a year of change . . . growing up, moving on and spreading those wings. But one thing for sure will never change and that is how much we love these young adults. How even though our hearts shatter with them leaving, it expands with more love and pride than ever before. Because we did it. We survived 18 years when some days we didn’t think we would. And we raised these tiny humans into big, beautiful adults who make us so very proud because we know they are going to do great things in this life.

When your son is 18, you realize what a privilege it is to be his mom and how you have loved watching him grow up. And although your heart is sad, it is also very excited for what is to come. But most of all, you fall to your knees and thank God for trusting you with this amazing gift . . . knowing all along that your job is to one day let him go and watch him soar!

Isaiah 40:31

xoxo,
❤️Heather Duckworth
Love, Faith & Chaos

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Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey Straeter
Kelsey is an editor at Outreach. She’s passionate about fear fighting, freedom writing, and the pursuit of excellence in the name of crucifying perfectionism. Glitter is her favorite color, 2nd only to pink, and 3rd only to pink glitter.

Lauren Daigle Returns to the ‘American Idol’ Stage That Rejected Her to Sing Multi-Platinum Hit “Look Up, Child”

Lauren Daigle returned to 'American Idol' to perform her hit song "Look Up, Child" for millions of fans—some in the audience and some watching from home.

How to Instantly Clear a Stuffy Nose with This One Simple Hack

Learn how to clear a stuffy nose instantly with a simple hack, plus additional tips to relieve nasal congestion and breathe easier.

Prayers for Strength That Give Power: Miracles Do Come True!

Find examples of prayer for power and strength. Life is tough as it is but these prayers will strengthen your body mind a soul to move forward and be close to God. We may come across times in our life where we are tested in body, mind and spirit.