The HOLE Surprise

In three short years, our oldest has grown almost a foot. He went from almost as tall as me (I'm a whopping 5'2") to towering over me. He will be sixteen in April and I can't hardly believe it. My facebook memories keep popping up of this little boy I used to know. It hasn't been that long, yet so much has changed. He's taking on more and more responsibilities and I'm eager to hand most of those responsibilities over...most of them. It's hard to let them grow up. Right?

Sometimes, I look at him and forget he's still a boy even if his towering form and cute little stubble say otherwise. He just recently asked us to stop tucking him in. It's hard to holler "goodnight" at his back as he saunters upstairs to turn out his own light and make sure his own blanket covers him...sigh. Although, most nights I'm really ok to not add another treck up the stairs. Not gonna lie.

Just as I sometimes forget he's still a boy, sometimes he forgets he's a boy inside an almost grown-up body. Our wall recently paid the price for a moment of forgetfulness. He was upset and kicked the wall. I wasn't there to see his face, but I imagine he was pretty surprised when his foot went straight through.

He mowed some lawns and used his profits to purchase the materials to repair it. A week or two ago his dad talked him through the repair. He said several times throughout, "This was really stupid," and "Why did I do this?"  And we thought, "Yes! He's getting it!"

It's patched and waiting for a fresh coat of paint. He needs to save a little more to buy a gallon. I'm not in a rush, though. I thought every time I looked at that patch job I would feel angry or sad but surprisingly I don't. I feel relieved. He could have been grumpy and disgruntled and refuse to make his mistake right but he hasn't been. At. all. In fact, he's pushed us to get it done. He's been eager and humble. Teenage win right there. He is awesome!

That hole was a surprise for sure--luckily in more ways than one.