Cherish The Moments

The house was empty except for myself and my sixteen year old son.  He asked if I would give him a haircut.  Usually I moan and groan because it means a mess, but not this day.  I agreed willingly so he hopped in the shower to wash his hair and ten minutes later I was off to work, clipping, trimming, and combing.  He likes it short so I cut it a little shorter than usual so that it would be a little longer before the next go around.  

He is as most teenage boys are... not quick to share more than they have to with their mother, but this night was different.  He was in a good mood, especially since the house was quiet and mom readily agreed without moaning and groaning.  The chatter began before the first snip and the conversation flowed readily and easily as he expressed his desires for his life.  We spoke of school, college, girls, his mission (LDS boys generally go on church missions from the time they are nineteen until twenty-one years old), and his goals - both short-term and long-term.  

I soaked it all in.  It won't be long before he will spread his wings and fly away from me.  This boy has a tender place in this mother's heart.  He is growing into a fine young man and has a desire to do all that is right and good.  He has a kind and and gentle soul.  As with all of my children, I can't help but worry and pray for him to have a good life, full of joy and happiness.

His goals are set high.  I am proud of him for that, but he is a worrier like his mother.  He works so hard that he doesn't always know how to have fun.  I want him to be a hard worker, but not at the expense of experiencing fun.  I used this time that I had him all to myself to counsel him.  His mind and heart were open so I took the advantage.  I counseled him to enjoy life.  "Don't spend your whole life wishing for a certain time to be done and over, mistakenly thinking the next phase will be less stressful and hard.  Life will always have challenges.  Always.  That's what this life is all about.  Instead, LIVE your life in spite of your challenges and struggles.  Learn to let go of the things you have no control over and can't change.  Look for the good in life.  Be happy.  Turn your burdens over to Heavenly Father.  Play once in a while.  It's okay to play.  It's GOOD to play as long as you have done the work that needs to be done as well.  Life is about balance.  And that means work AND play, not one or the other.  We need both.  So be happy and look for all that is good.  Everything else will work itself out."

These times that I have my children alone, one at a time, all to myself are priceless.  They are what make my journey as a mother sweet.  I will miss this time when it is passed.  I won't always have their attention and they won't always seek or want my advice.  My time is growing shorter and shorter with them like this so until it is over I will cherish these moments.