13

Man of the Woods,

Wow, 13! You birth me into motherhood every single day.  You and I we're entering uncharted territory. I'm excited and to be honest a bit scared.  These years are the transition years where you fully step out of childhood and step into adulthood. You have to really put into practice all the things we've tried to teach you. You have to decide what kind of man you are going to be. While we have to let you make mistakes and fall so you can learn while you're still in the safety of our home.  It's going to be weird for all of us. I promise I will do my best to show you grace, and hopefully you will extend it back to me.  

Thirteen! So much to look forward to. This year you'll be at Boy Scout camp for three weeks, two of them completely on your own. You're hoping to savor this year as your last year as a camper.  Since you joined the scouting program all you've wanted to do is work at camp. I'm excited for you to do this. I'm excited for you to get the extra camping weeks this year.  But I am sure the house will be too quiet while you're away.

We have been working on your birthday gift for a year now, no scratch that we've been planning for this year your entire life.  We read this book once called, Parenting Beyond Your Capacity. In it the author talked about how important it was to bring people into our children's lives for when they wanted to reach outside of us. The truth is your Dad and I will always do our best to be here for you, but as you grow sometimes you'll need to find somebody else to talk to.  Maybe it's because you live a couple states over and can't drop in for advice and hot chocolate. Or if it's about your wife you probably ought to find somebody else, we're biased and will always take your side. You know that Target bag full of something I've been passing around to what looked like random people.  Those people are men who love Jesus and you. They've each written some message or underlined verses to encourage you on.

I love the man you are choosing to be. For me the change has come as I've watched you grow in your scouting adventures this past year.  The boys you had spent years scouting with all quit over the summer for different reasons. I was ready to quit myself and transfer you into a new Troop. One day as I laid all my thoughts on scouting out there for you, you said, "Mom, I think we should stay in 24. I could learn a lot and I think I have a lot to teach the new scouts coming in." You've not only done it, but you did it well. You have actively participated in Troop 76 but you've also led your 24 scouts on. As the Senior Patrol Leader you have planned scout meetings, made phone calls, taught some of the rank requirements, helped plan outings, you have helped set up tents, led hikes, worked with tired grumpy scouts, taken naps, apologized when needed, been to every meeting even when you didn't want to be, carried other people's stuff when they were exhausted, laughed with the guys, called them out when they needed it, and you've set aside your personal goal of being an Eagle scout by 14 to focus on your troop.

What I've seen you display in your personal character this year is everything I have ever hoped you would do as you grew. You have practice being responsible, trustworthy, obedient, and respectful. Our family's four foundational standards. This year you have shown me that you are ready for the teenage years, and you are growing into a fine man. I am proud to be called Ma by you. Until you hold your first born in your arms you will not understand the depths of love I have for you, my curly haired, freckle faced son. I'm looking forward to seeing how you will grow in character over this next year. I'm guessing by this time next year I'll be the one looking up to you.

An interview with you're thirteen year old self:

What is your favorite color? Blue

What is something very special to you? My family

What is your favorite word or saying? Strength and honor... Are you going to eat the rest of that... I’m sorry...

Who is your favorite super hero? I don’t have one.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Steak on the grill.

What is your favorite memory from this past year? I can’t decide...umm... I really like my man camping trip with Dad. Just not the part where a block of wood fell on Dad’s head... The Spartan race with Uncle Jeff... Camping with friends.

What is your favorite book or book series? I’ve been really enjoying the Percy Jackson books and the Narnia books.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Still not sure but I like the idea of being a computer engineer.

What are you looking forward to most about this coming year? Scout camp.

You are loved beyond measure.

~Ma