HONOR THY MOTHER….

The joys of motherhood are untold. Days are filled with the most extreme fulfillment of nurturing and adoration. To hold a small baby is a treat that is un-paralleled. But, as with cats, kittens and babies do grow up. And a teenager is born.

This transformation was never as apparent as it was with my youngest son, Grits. From being a precocious and adorable blond, green-eyed angel, he transformed himself into a hormonal teenage boy. He was brilliant which made it even more difficult for me to succeed in “lassoing” his energy and directing him into a more productive direction. His intelligence kept him on the honor roll during the 8-3 period of the school day. It was the three pm to midnight shift that was problematic.

I remember one episode which brings utter tears of joy to my eyes. It was a Tuesday afternoon. The day was sunny and spring had blossomed. The sky was a wonderful blue and all was well in my world….Until Grits decided that he needed to express his independence. “I’m going to go to Furball’s house” he announced with a determination that made me see red. “No, you are going to stay home and finish the science project that is due tomorrow.” At that point in his life, he was sixteen, driving, and bullet-proof. He was the king of his castle (his castle being the four walls of his room) and no one would “tell him what to do.” “Yes, I am!” He grabbed the keys and stormed to the front door. “Not so fast” I said quietly. I found that the quiet voice was heard much more effective than the ten decibel tone I used on other occasions. “You can go, but give me the keys. That is my car and I can determine when and where it will hit the pavement.” Incredulous, he handed me the keys. He pulled the cell phone from his hip pocket and began to dial a number while saying “I’ll have Furball pick me up! You can have your car!” “Not so fast” I said…again. “Give me that phone. I bought it and I pay for it. It stays with me.” “Screw you!” he responded as he headed toward the door – tossing the phone to the floor. “Not so fast!” I said…again. “What now! You have my car and my phone. What else do you want?” I said, “Strip. You can leave this house the way you came into this world with your birthday suit. Everything else is mine. I bought it and it stays with me. So hit the road…after you strip!” With utter confusion in his eyes, he went back into his room and slammed the door. He did not go out that afternoon.

These are the moments that make one cherish the day! I love being a mother!