Friends

I don't typically write mushy posts about my feelings and emotions. It's just not me. This blog has been more like a scrapbook for me to post my pictures and document the things I want to remember about my little family. However, Cason has moved on to a new phase in his childhood and I am really emotional about it... mostly in a good way :)... so I thought I'd take a minute to write down some of my thoughts.

We had some friends over to our house for a barbeque the other day and got talking about our kids... like we always do. I mentioned how afraid I am for Cason and Kevin to become teenagers and our discussion evolved into what it was like for us as teenagers and how we would handle situations with our children. I strongly believe that friends can make all the difference in a teenager's life. Luckily, I had amazing friends when I was younger. Without them I am sure I would have gotten into much more trouble than I did. As a parent I want to teach my children values and morals and do my best to become a friend and confidant, but I am not naive to think that their friends outside of the home will not have a huge impact on the choices that they make. I can only hope and pray that they choose good friends.

Just this past week Cason has been having his first experiences with friends. He plays with other kids often, but they are usually his cousins, our friend's children, or play dates that I have set up. In the past he has seen the neighbor boys out playing and will watch them, but doesn't venture out of our yard to go play with them. This past Saturday, with a little help from me, he pushed out of his comfort zone to play with them and I think surprised himself a little when he had a good time. On Monday he was out riding his bike in the front yard and surprised me when he rode over to the neighbors house ON HIS OWN to play. Yesterday, one of his new friends called to him from across the street to come play. Without any reluctance he rode his bike over and was very disappointed when I called him to come in for dinner a while later. Today we were loading up in the car to go to the store. His new friends were outside and he informed me "I need to go talk to my friends before we can go." Of course I had to let him go and I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face on the drive to the grocery store. Every single day since that first encounter he has played with these boys and has been excited about it.

I love this new phase in his life! When he is out playing with his friends I try to find excuses to let him stay out longer. I don't want to interrupt the fun he is having. I am excited for him to experience new things and gain the confidence that comes with making friends and being independent from his momma (as hard as it is for me to say that). I know that there is also some dissapointment that can come with making new friends and that he is bound to get his feelings hurt every once in a while. I also know that I can't shield him from everything painful that he will experience in this life. For now though I am going to try and forget about all of that and just encourage him in this new phase. I know that the friendships he develops now will pave the way for future friendships and instead of being afraid I am now excited to see what his future has in store for him. It's a bittersweet feeling to watch my baby grow up right before my eyes!