Today our oldest, Michael, turns 16.  This birthday is a mind blower because in our society 16 is a big year, what with getting a drivers license and all that.  It’s also a mind blower because I think Michael has changed more in the past year than in any other year.  First off, he’s grown at least 6 inches.  Second, he’s really matured into a young man.  He does more without being asked, he takes responsibility for his own actions and he treats others with respect…well at least as much as any 16 year old I’ve seen.

Michael started 10th grade a couple of weeks ago and since each passing year seems to go by faster than the last it is occurring to me and Celeste that in the blink of an eye we’re going to be getting ready for sending him to college.  I’ve joked for years that I’m looking forward to the day when the house will be quiet and Celeste and I will be left to our own devices.  Of course that’s horse crap.  I dread it and seeing what kind of young man Michael is becoming is causing me to dread it even more.

I’m truly enjoying our conversations, the stunning number of things he knows that I’ve never learned mixed with the sweet naivete that only the young can possess is truly a joy to behold.  Believe me, when your kid can explain DNA extraction in one breath and then express shock that people cheat on taxes in the next you’ve entered the realm of truly enjoyable co-habitation with your offspring.  Of course he’s not perfect, but neither are we so I think we’ve found a nice balance.

Thankfully for the drivers of Lewisville, NC the great state of North Carolina has a graduated license program so Michael won’t be unleashed on the roads without limitation for another year or so.  Until then rest assured that he will be closely monitored, but after that don’t say you haven’t been warned.

Happy birthday big guy.  Hope you enjoy the little somethin’-somethin’ we got you for the big day.