Every day is a new day with a teenager, but today will go down as one of my favorites. This particular day was an incredible turn of events from how yesterday felt. You can read about that from yesterdays publication called, Living in a Cave.
Today my teenager rode their bike from their dad's house to mine. They came just to tell me all about the fun they had with their friends at the carnival yesterday.
I was beaming (as moms do) listening to my baby’s stories. I felt included in their life. I didn’t want them to stop. I kept asking questions and validating their emotions. I love that my baby’s heart is so full of fun and curiosity.
As they were heading out the door to go back to their dads, I said, “I wanted to come by the carnival to say hi yesterday. Maybe even take some photos, but I thought you wouldn't like that. I didn't want to intrude on your time with your friends and with your dad”.
They said, “You should have. All my friends were asking about you.” And with that quick nonchalant response, my heart instantaneously felt the quick drip of glee as it melted and started to seep through my eye holes. As hard as it was not to just jump for joy right then and there in that moment, I remained calm as they rode off.
I always heard that the teenage years would be the time they distance themselves. Well, step aside ordinary. Not today. Today isn't the day that MY teenager does such a thing. lol
As you can imagine, my soul was bedazzled with joy. What a difference a day makes. Just yesterday, I was sad about not going to the carnival. Although being there yesterday would have been top notch, at least I have this.
Later, I received a text. They were going to the carnival again today. If that’s not an invitation, I don’t know what is. By God, it IS going to be a new day with a teenager.
You better believe I got my happy ass out of my hermit cave and headed to that people filled carnival. Depress me once, shame on me, depress me twice, no shame… just don't.
My teenager and their friends all came by as soon as they saw me. I tried to be as casual as a beaming mom can be amongst teenagers. However, it didn’t take long before I was taking photos and videos of all of them. They didn’t seem to mind.
Being in their presence reminds me of how to live in the moment. To live in joy. To live for fun. I was out of my comfort zone. But I was okay. I was okay away from my comfortable cave.
Stepping out of hermitville to be with my teenager and their friends is priceless. These memories will last a lifetime.
Every day is a new day with a teenager.
I would love to hear about your beaming mom moment that you experienced with your teenager.
Your favorite GenX ginger hermit with CPTSD reflecting on life @/ humor. Offering sporadic unconventional lifestyle publications.
*Photo by Lori K.
I so love this! My youngest is 14 and I cherish every hug and conversation so very much!
The best part about raising kids is watching them become whole people. People who say things like yours did. Thank you for sharing.
It reminded me of the time when I received a text from my adult college student child: "Lunch at Qdoba tomorrow?" I texted back: "Thanks for the invite, but I suspect that you didn't mean to text me." My kid loves me, but not enough to spontaneously have lunch with me - unless I am inviting them. It was not, in fact, meant for me :-).
Divorced life is still full of great Mom moments. You're doing a great job maneuvering the adventure.