When Your Son Turns 18

I look at my son and I think, how, how can you be 18?

But it's true. He's 18 now. He's legally an adult. An adult.

When your son turns 18, you won't believe it at first. But then it sets in.

He's 18. He doesn't need my permission to do things anymore. He can legally make decisions on his own. Doctors don't even need to talk to me anymore. It's all him.

When your son turns 18, you'll picture him as a little boy. You'll remember how he used to sing along to The Wiggles and sit on the couch with a battered old mini notebook as he watched Blue's Clues.

When your son turns 18, you'll want to cry. But you'll also want to laugh because he made it. You made it. He's 18. He's a good kid.

When your son turns 18, you'll cherish the time you have with him, because you don't know how much of it is left. He can decide to leave at any time, and there's not much you can do because he's LEGALLY AN ADULT.

When your son turns 18, you'll hate it. But you'll love it at the same time. You get to see what he'll be as a man. You get to see who he'll be. You'll have all the memories. And yes, it'll sting from time to time, because most of you wants to keep him safe, always, in your home. But the other part of you knows that it's okay to let go. Maybe just a little bit at first.

When your son turns 18, you'll hug him and whisper, "I love you," and he might say, "Wow, I'm 18. I can't believe it. Can you?" and you'll honestly reply, "No."