Every year, I look forward to a birthday photo session with each of my kids. I love being able to document their physical growth, and hopefully capture the nuances of their personalities.
But not this year. Not for 18-year-old Parker Day Boles. This year, I got one photo, in the front yard, as he hurried off to the gym after school.
That’s the pace of life these days, isn’t it, my PBO? So many “love you!”s called out as you disappear out the front door, or groggily whispered when you come in at midnight and stop by my bedside to say goodnight. (thank you.) I am witnessing you learn how to become an adult, and you are witnessing me learn how to parent one. It’s too soon to know what the next few years will look like, but I have to admit that, as we have toured a couple college campuses, I have this growing flutter of excitement for you in my guts. Baby boy, here comes your life! And you are going to THRIVE. I just really, really, really hope that you you thrive less than 100 miles from home, and AT home most weekends and holidays. Ha. (ha?)
We’re in this together. Never for a second doubt my unreasonable and unshakable love for you. Not the you that you think I want you to be, but the you who IS. It’s time to find your path forward, Parker. Just know that I will always be your home.
I love you forever, I like you for always, blah, blah, blah…