As I reflect on my journey into parenthood, I see how much my 16-year-old son, Liam, has grown and matured. He embodies thoughtfulness and caution—qualities I sometimes overlook amid my constant reminders and to-do lists. This summer, however, I’ve taken the time to appreciate the young man he is becoming. Due to my lack of planning for his summer activities (the challenges of a third child and 20 summers!), he has creatively pieced together a series of odd jobs.
Liam tends to a neighbor’s lawn and garden, takes walks with another neighbor’s ill spouse, and visits his grandmother daily—playing fetch with her dog and listening to her stories. He also acts as a tech consultant for his other grandmother and takes his younger cousins on fishing trips. In his free time, he works hard on his basketball skills, showing determination, kindness, and a great sense of humor.
As he heads off to work, he often seeks my advice on which weeds to pull. I remind him to take precautions while working outside—wear sunscreen, a hat, gloves, and insect repellent, and to watch out for poison ivy. His earbuds are already in, and he’s focused on his phone, typical of a 16-year-old today.
I still recall the poison ivy rash I suffered as a teenager, a reminder of youthful mischief and its consequences. Unlike that itchiness, the passage of time seems to bring a different kind of wisdom. My friends in their 60s and 70s, along with my parents nearing 80, reassure me that I’m still young, yet I sometimes feel as though I’m navigating a downward slope.
Recently, Liam sat at the foot of my bed after returning from a party. “A girl told me I looked pretty tonight,” he said, sounding both surprised and amused. Those moments of connection are precious to me. He truly is someone special—perhaps even someone’s “heaven.” At 16, he’s just beginning his journey.
Maybe my role should be to simply guide him through the path I’ve already traveled, sharing insights and the occasional caution about potential pitfalls. I don’t know which songs will resonate with him during his teenage years; the soundtracks to his life will be uniquely his own, filled with beats and heartfelt anthems that will eventually play like my cherished tunes on an oldies station.
Now approaching 50, I still enjoy music. Occasionally, I hear a song by Mellencamp that stirs nostalgia, but I recognize that chapter of my life has passed. The other day, a line from a Simon & Garfunkel classic struck me as profoundly true: “Now the years are rolling by me. They’re rockin’ evenly.” I find myself older than I once was and younger than I will become.
For more insights on parenting and creating memories, consider exploring resources like this at-home insemination kit and this excellent guide on IVF. Additionally, if you’re interested in personalizing your journey, visit this site for custom jewelry, where you can create meaningful keepsakes.
In summary, as we navigate the complexities of parenting teenagers, it’s crucial to recognize their growth while cherishing the moments of connection. The passage of time teaches us valuable lessons, and though our children will create their own soundtracks, we can support them through their journeys.