Man-child takes flight
A rare post on the man-child.
I only have the one man-child and to say it has been an experience raising him is an understatement. Don’t get me wrong, he has never gotten into trouble, been sassy or any other nonsense many parents put up with. No, he’s an athlete and that can be troubling enough. Like the time he calls and says ” Mom, I think I broke my ankle. I’m walking home now” and hung up. Well it wasn’t broken, but sure was banged up all to hell.
So he started skateboarding as a young kid and I used to have nightmares about knocked out teeth, twisted limbs and road rashes. Guess I got lucky there because so far (knocking on balsam), no injuries.
He does great in school and makes the honor roll (the tardies to class don’t count do they). Not sure how he makes good grades looking like this. I know, he’s memorizing.
So now he’s on the track team. I am thrilled. No harm can come in running track.Well I got happy too quick, he’s doing the pole vault. Sweet Lord have mercy I am picturing all sorts of horrors with the pole snapping or him missing the mat and flipping into the bleachers. Arrived at his track meet last night a complete bundle of nerves. As he strolled past, the picture of confidence I said “Ok, he’s got this pole vaulting thing. It will be fine”.
I saw off in the distance (I see why that event is way down field, just in case..) the man-child ran, vaulted and cleared the bar (you have to squint to see it)
Off in the distance I see the rains headed our way. I silently said “Yes, no injuries today”. The rest of the meet was cancelled.
Now I’m sure there will be scars and bruises along life’s roads but do not doubt he will weather them well. He’s tough, tungsten steel tough, despite how this picture looks.
(Man-child would disown me if he knew I posted this shot. He’s not crying, just wet from the rain).
So when he was 4 years old and asked could he go on the roof with a sheet and see if he could fly, he’s flying now..Only with a pole..
He’ll appreciate this 20 years from now.
Gonna keep this one under wraps till then.. He would die if he saw that pic..lol..
(Hope you are feeling better)
Its nice to see they grow up…. and Penny, I really fel the love and pride that a mum has for her child in your piece. Thanks for sharing the feeling, Liz
Oh I am thrilled to see the “man’ he is becoming and yes, I heart this child!!
Thank you for reading and the nice words
Lynne
lynne, ain’t it grand tho’? your fierce love, admiration, and pride, show through loud and clear. continue…
Tis grand indeed…no job on the planet I have enjoyed more..
Thx for the visit BITD.
That’s a perfect title! And it’s great that you allow him to fly.
In case you don’t have a man-child of 30+, you’ll be (dis)heartened to know that a mom doesn’t stop worrying–and then along come the grandboys.
(My son repairs building exteriors–30+ floors up. But, like he tells me, once you get above 3, it’s all relative.)
Gotta let them grow up and move on.. No, he’s only 17 not 30…yet..
Oh boy, I would be nervous if my son did that type of work..
Breaveheart Mom!
Great post today thanks. I really enjoyed it very much.
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Very cute post——–I knew a man child once, but he was 30 years old partying with undergraduates in Ecuador and it wasn’t very cool. This one sounds a lot neater.
Oh mercy 30 still acting 17 (my son’s age).. Heaven help him..
Thanks so much for the visit & kind words-
lynne
Like edrevets, it was my first thought when I read “man-child” myself, but you make a much more beautiful portrait of what it can also be.
CoF
I read your FB post about your boy & the skateboard and thought, “Ah, he will go through what I did”.. Bestest(is that a word) job I could ever hope to have..parent.
Thx CoF
I was going to blog about it, but I still find myself emotional when I think about it. I’ll let a bit of time pass by…
CoF
Yes…maybe it will be your “serious” post..in the meantime you still have LEP
i can’t imagine what could possibly make someone say, “i’m going to run with this pole, stick the pole in a little notch in the ground, make the pole bend and build up potential energy, and then use that potential energy to launch my body in the air and over that little stick without touching it. yeah, that’s what i’m going to do.”
You too? See, what the hell is wrong with the thing where you jump in the sandbox or ok, I can handle the hurdles. But Pole vault?
(loved your comment)
but i’ll give them credit that when they’re falling from 12 or more feet, they’re not flailing their arms and legs. they’re very cool and just float to the big cushiony thing. i’d scream. yeah.
I’d vomit then scream..LOL.. yeah this is his first year doing it and his height (6’2″) makes the fall that much farther..or i think.
(Post Script-I have your chapters on my reading list today)
or the height means he falls less because he’s further down already? not sure. either way, i’d never do it. thanks for wanting to read. that’s nice.
its almost a poem
whatever it is i love it
Bryan
Thank you kindly.. they grow up so fast..
thanks for the visit this Sunday!
Lynne