The other day I took my 18 year old son to the airport. He has just completed his High School education and is getting a well-deserved “vacation” back in Katy, TX, with all his old friends. As I watched him head off towards the airport gates, all full of enthusiasm, optimism, and that teenage care-free attitude, I had to hold back tears of pride and gratitude for such a boy/man. You see, Caleb is a special guy. Of course, I’m required to say that. But even as a young boy he used to get comments from total strangers about his native intelligence (which he altogether got from his mom), and that “walk-to-a-different-drummer” kind of attitude which has been obvious from the time he could barely walk. One old Mexican man said “ese trae la musica por dentro” which is another way of saying that he marches to his own tune. You see, Caleb also holds a bunch of “er’s” on me. He has grown up to be way smarter, stronger, quicker, bigger, handsomer and a lot of other ers that escape me right now. He is by far more talented, energetic, enthusiastic, adventurous and charming than I’ll ever be or ever have been. I wish I had half the energy that he has! I am really proud of my boy and I sort of envy the future he has wide open in front of him with endless possibilities. He is at a point where he can chose to live in Montana, Texas or several points in between. He has been able to live in and visit several countries, and seen a lot of things that have shaped and molded him and his outlook on life. He has picked up a lot of knowledge and skills over the years which will do him well in many situations. I wish sometimes I could go back and re-visit some of the choices I’ve made in life and sometimes I wish I could then make the choices for my son, from the vantage point of age and experience….and sort of ease the way for him. But those decisions are for him to make and live by. My earnest hope is that he, along with his siblings and friends, as he goes along the path set before him, will abide by the words set in Proverbs 3:1-12 – so “you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”
Caleb, your mom and dad love you greatly and we are extremely proud of you. Onwards!
I know you are proud of him and he is on a deserved vacation. I know the Lord will put him in exactly the field where he can serve Him best.
It takes a lot of good parenting to raise a good man, so don’t sell yourself short.
Love you all.
There is no other feeling than you have when your son goes away and you have all these memories of the past and hopes for the future.
He reminds me of Duane, in that he too walked to his own drum beat and he never cared about “all the other kids are doing it”. He did what he wanted and if it didn’t fit….tough. He turned out very well and I am proud of him also.
I’m sure Caleb will develop into a great man of God, whatever he does.
It was very heart-warming to read this “chapter” so to speak… “My Boy” almost made me wanna tear up! (LOL ) Caleb’s image was conjured up in my mind the whole time you spoke.
I guess sometimes I’m a wee bit envious of all the parental pride you and so many others have for their children. From what little I got to know Caleb, I could see that he is a fine young man… and destined for greatness. I agree with your Aunt Carole… “It takes a lot of good parenting to raise a good man, so don’t sell yourself short. ” The Lord has gifted you and Sharon bountifully with love and wisdom to share with not only yours… but others’ children (and adults alike).
I am thankful that God brought you guys into our lives… and altho a “blog” is not a face-to-face conversation with you, it’s a blessed tool to help us who miss you catch just a glimpse of what you’re thinking and feeling these days.
Consider yourself (and the others) hugged tightly and know that we love and miss you all. It’s really wonderful to see how the Lord is using you in Big Sky Country. May His blessings continue to be yours in abundance.