Intro to Adolescence

We've gone through some big changes this year. Our eldest son entered the wonderful world of junior high school. What comes to mind when you think of junior high? I get this nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach when I think back to those times. Thank goodness I had a great group of friends and thank goodness I never have to live those years over again! I jokingly say, 

"If you can survive junior high, you can survive anything."

B has a tough class schedule this year and there have been some growing pains along the way. He's got a lot on his plate and it's harder to keep things balanced. It's been a humbling experience and an important lesson for me to realize how much my son needs me now. Not just for the rides, meals and clean clothes. Just to be there for him as he's trying to figure out who he is. To reassure him that everything will be okay and yes, he will get taller. To teach him how important it is to be a leader and not a follower. To remind him that it is a good thing to have friends that bring out the best in you. To pass along something my dad would tell me...that he can do whatever he wants to do as long as he sets his mind to doing it. To remind him that life has it's ups and downs and we must strive to learn from every experience, the good and the not-so-good. Most importantly, to hug him and tell him how much he is loved...

And so begins the chapter called 'Intro to Adolescence'