eighteen

my son turns 18 today.  i don't know what else to say.

except... when did the little guy on the left become the big guy on the right?

i'm overwhelmed with gratitude to God for allowing me the privilege of mothering this boy.  he is an exceptional person. a fun and loving brother. a talented musician. a true believer. a real Jesus follower. a remarkable young man. and way cooler than me.

we have traveled together. worked together. played together. i'm considerably blessed to watch as God raises up this next generation of worshipers...and my kid is one of them! i'm really not sure where he has learned all of the things he's learned...i'd like to take a little credit. but seriously, only a very little bit. he has come into his own, on his own, in so many ways.  he impresses me. he inspires me. 

as we move into the future and this season of life changes, my prayer life becomes different. it's not more or less important to pray for him, just new. different. this transition is difficult, i won't lie. as everyone will tell you, it feels as though it's happening overnight. where did the time go? and yet God is watchful and knows. and cares. and i trust HIM. letting go is a bit easier knowing that i'm letting him go into the hands of the one who made him.

did i mention he's engaged? in only 6 months he'll be a married {young} man! Brian and i married when i was 19 so....almost 23 years later it's a little silly for me to say "you're too young".  we adore his fiance {Bethanne} and are truly thrilled as we face the future.

18.  a new chapter in all of our lives. we couldn't be more proud of this kid.