For about 1-2 years before Tracen got his driver's license, I knew I was in the best time as a mom. My kids were still young enough that they were within reach- within my protective bubble, but old enough to not need me for everything. Chad and I could leave the house for a while and know they'd be ok. They can get their own snacks- and even cook their own meals on occasion (thank you Ramen!). They were, dare I say, even fun to be around- mostly. Vacations were easier. Mornings were easier. It was perfection! So I dreaded the day of Great Independence for Tracen. To me it meant the beginning of the end. The end of my protective bubble where I controlled most things happing. The end of an era where all of my baby birds are within my bubble. And while I knew that exact day of a driver's license would pop my bubble, I did not expect for all the things to happen at once. Driving. Dating. Getting a job. Girlfriends. Drama that girls bring to your life. (This is probably why Father did not give me girls- I don't deal well with it so this whole girlfriend, and eventually, wife thing is going to do a number on me!) Why is there so much drama anyway? Why can't girls learn that life is so much easier, and happier, without it? Sorry, rant over. All the things happening so quickly has been draining. I'm just trying to keep up and still be a good mom. One that looks like she has it all together so the teenagers don't totally revolt. One thing I have always tried to do, but has now become harder with Great Independence, is letting him make his own decisions and taking responsibility for the consequences that follow. Because now the decisions are harder. They have deeper, possibly longer lasting consequences. And it's not like he's asking for advice- he's a teenager remember? So I have to just sit back and watch. And pray that he will follow his gut and the Spirit. That the consequences won't be too bad. And trying to let him know, without actually letting him know (you know?), that I am always here- no matter what- to support him while he picks up the pieces. Being a mom to teenagers is NO JOKE! My bubble is back, but smaller- with only 2 baby birds. I know too well the kind of thief time is, and that the day will quickly come that my bubble will pop once again. I'm not sure how I will handle the third bubble pop. We'll just have to wait and see.
