That’s my middle son in the photo about to kick the ball in from the boundary line. He has always been the most patient and least mercurial of my children. I remember him as a kid striving to keep up with his older brother. What he lacked in talent he more than made up with determination and patience. One time he spent hours and hours mastering the art of rollerblading. His determination won through and he was soon rollerblading everywhere.
My middle son is the one I turn to if something needs fixing around the house. He’s not home very often, but when he is he kindly looks at whatever problem I have and tries to find a solution. The solution is sometimes unorthodox, but always works. If he says something can’t be repaired I believe him because I know he has tried to find some way to make it work.
My middle son is an apprentice Electrician. He is in his second year of his apprenticeship and is enjoying his work. I’m so glad he has found something that not only interests him but also gives him enough money to be independent. He might live at home (for the moment) but he has a full life outside of home with work, friends and his sport. I am proud of the man he has become and I treasure the times he is at home because they far too infrequent and usually consist of sleeping!
This week my middle son takes off for a ten day holiday in Thailand with some of his friends. It’s a destination I’m not comfortable with and he knows that but at nearly 20 years of age (one week to go) he is more than able to make up his own mind. I’ve talked to him about the dangers – political riots, unrest, bombings, drugs, sex and all the rest – and there’s not much more I can do. I do trust him, I just don’t know his friends well enough to trust them and I certainly don’t trust the people in Thailand.
No, I’m not racist. I am realistic. Thailand is going through its own political struggles, the people are exposed far more to corruption than we are in Australia and their way of life is totally different to what we are used to.
In the end I have to have faith in my son to do the right thing and faith in the Universe that nothing bad will happen to him. He can’t wait to go away and I can’t wait for him to return!
You're a momma; plain and simple.
ReplyDeleteWhen my youngest was a junior in college she did study abroad in Amsterdam. I was sick with worry the whole time, but never let her know.
He'll be safe. We'll all send out white light for him.
Hugs to you.
He sounds like a peach. He also sounds like he has a good head on him. If his friends also have their heads screwed on right, they'll be okay. What's that they say about like attracting like.
ReplyDeleteDeborah - thank you! Its nice to know others send out white light. Hopefully he will be smothered in it!
ReplyDeleteJoy - He is a peach! I don't know his friends very well but I do hope that like attracts like in this case.
He sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders, to say the least. You should be proud. I am sure Thailand will be fine. Sending good vibes and only the best energy to you - and to him on his trip. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like a great kid. I'm sure he'll return safely to you.
ReplyDeleteOh I so get this! My oldest is 20. He just drove home alone from his college campus, 1200 miles in 2 days. I did have some scenarios running through my head, but mostly I tried not to think about it.
ReplyDeleteHeh, he sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders. Thailand is where young boys go to see it all. We all have to do that eventually. Trust his instincts and character.....He will have fun and he will be fine.....Don't worry about something that hasn't happened.....
ReplyDeleteall of your sons have a special part in your life. It's great to call on someone who can fix things. hope your son has a safe and good trip to Thailand. rose
ReplyDeleteYou are a realistic, caring mother. Keep faith that he will continue to make good choices wherever he is.
ReplyDeletexoRobyn
I agree with you...you have to faith that they will be safe and have a good trip!!!
ReplyDeleteMy stepdaughter wanted to go on a mission trip to Africa a couple of years ago and her parents wouldn't let her...I was all for her experiencing life...I guess I am too lenient!
I am sure he will be fine. He sounds like a kid with a good head on his shoulders.. but as a mom too, I understand the worry you feel. I dont think we ever stop it. My oldest is soon to be 23 and I still worry about him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Deborah. I'm a very picky wench when it comes to my boys. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way!
ReplyDeleteMy boys are too young to venture too far from Mum, so this is a worry that I have yet to experience, but you sure have given me an insight into how hard it was for my Mom to let me leave Canada at 23, travel the world and settle in Australia.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, I loved Thailand and the people are lovely. He will have lots of fun, and the kids will look out for one another.
I bet you will give a BIG sigh of relief when he is home safe. And then you can be grateful for the experiences he gets to have! Prayers for your son! :)
ReplyDelete"What he lacked in talent he more than made up with determination and patience"
ReplyDeleteThis was my favorite line. IT really sums up a secret to success!!
Oh God! I have to let my baby girl go!! I think she will have to wait until she is 21 to leave the country - you are a brave mama!! I am not looking forward......*sigh* thanks for the comment love!
ReplyDeleteNothing will happen to him and he will be back before you know it.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for being a bit worried. I am still trying to figure out how to "coach" my older boys.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments! My son is safe and apparently having fun. I've had two phone calls and he's managed to get on facebook at least once. Yesterday was his birthday and, by the sounds, it was a big one!!!
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