I bawled like a baby at 6:15 this morning. My son walked into the kitchen, mumbled “Happy Valentine’s Day” hugged me quickly and pulled this beautiful ring out of his pocket. He handed it to me and walked out to go eat his breakfast.
I have seen him working on this ring for a few months. Saw the metal shavings in the garage. Showed him where some obscure files were when he asked. I figured it was for his girlfriend.
This started out its life as a quarter. Worth less than a dollar, certainly no fortune. Time spent with a loving creator filing it down, shaping it and look....... It’s PRICELESS.
I hugged Turner and told him how much this means to me. Then I went in my room and squalled like a baby, so overcome with gratitude. He’s a boy who growing into a man far faster than I’m comfortable with. He can be moody, withdrawn. The next day he is all smiles and talking to me.
Neither of us have ever done this before. I’ve never been the mom of a teenage young man. He’s never been a fifteen in a world that is always sending messages about who he should be. We are walking gently next to each other in this stage. I’m trying to give him freedom while letting him know I am here no matter what. He is trying to show me he’s responsible while still being a child.
Parenthood is exquisite pain. The sharpest joy I have ever felt. So intense it stops my heart. It’s like walking outside when it’s -15°. It’s beautiful but takes your breath. The pain comes from knowing it’s just passing. Time is passing, relentlessly. I can’t hold on to any one stage no matter how much I want to.
So far every season is my favorite. It’s the only promise that keeps me sane. Don’t loose your mind because they aren’t sweet little kindergarteners any more, look how much fun you can have with them now! The hugs and kisses are fewer but the conversations are more meaningful. The laughs aren’t from the physical comedy of toddler shenanigans. Now the laughs are from sharp wit and shared inside family jokes.
Just like Turner worked on this quarter to transform it from mere pocket change into one of my most treasured pieces of jewelry, God is shaping me. My Creator knows the fears and joys of my heart. The fear of my kids growing up and not needing me. The joys of watching them both become self sufficient, good people.
The rough patches in my path have just been my creator smoothing down my rough edges. He sees the sharp parts and knows how to turn them into treasures.
Thank you Turner for this. It will forever be my most cherished Valentine. The ring is beautiful. Seeing generosity in your actions, how you have God in your heart, those are the real treasures in my life.
