Sweet 16

Well my son turned 16 yesterday. Such a special age. I remember my 16th birthday, couldn't wait to go to DMV and get my license so that I could drive around. My only thoughts in those days was, get in the car and go! Gas was an incredible 32 cents a gallon. Took less than $5 to fill the tank. I could get to LA on less than $10. Well those were the days. Not that I drove to LA at 16, I waited till I was 17 to do that. LOL

A's 16th birthday is so different. Friends on Friday playing guitar hero 4 and spending the night, the four of us out Saturday night at Yoshi's for dinner and a jazz show and yes, funfetti cake and ice cream with familia on Sunday, his actual birthday. No planned birthday party like when he was little. I'll never forget his 3rd birthday at Discovery Zone - he was sooooooo happy, beaming, saying he was the happiest boy in the entire world! He loved to slam himself against the wall after riding down the rope. Laughing like crazy! I loved those days, making him happy is so easy. He's always been such an easy child to raise. The day he was born I felt this complete sense of completeness. Our lives were totally and fully complete! Just as it was meant to be.

While A wanted to drive at the beginning of summer, he doesn't seem to be in any real hurry now. He's rather practical, wants to practice before he gets on the freeway. Playing soccer, trumpet and yes guitar hero are the favorite past times now. No drama, like with his sister A... but that just may be a girl thing. The biggest complaint I have ever received from a teacher of his was - he's too good. Wasn't too sure what to do with that. Didn't I want him to be good? Well she was worried he was too much of a pleaser. And yes he can be, but he is also very much his own self, with his own thoughts, ideas, likes, dislikes, talents. Any yes he's a great good young man!

I pray that A will be a man of faith, his name means "defender of men" - I know he will make a true difference in this world for the better.

I love you my son!

Mom