My Boys
Seeing Benjamin and Adam jettison themselves off the bridge nearly 400 feet above the rocks and river below, made my heart skip a beat. Fortunately the rope tied to their ankles held, and after a quick jerk they just swung back and forth like a pendulum on an old grandfather clock. The month prior Adam and Benjamin arrived at the top of 18K foot Nevada Ccampo 30 minutes before Carrie and I could drag ourselves to the summit. I had hardly slept prior to our 4am departure because I was worried that my kids might not make it… Yesterday, after introducing ourselves, our new friend looked at Benjamin and asked him if he was from Baños (Ecuador). Before our sabbatical, I wasn’t sure how committed our kids would be to language lessons…
Physically, mentally, and emotionally our boys are maturing. At 13 and 15 years old this is a pivotal time in their lives, and it is so fulfilling to have such dedicated time with them. Daily we make joint decisions about where we are going to eat, sleep, or live next. We discuss joys, disappointments, issues of character, spirituality, leadership, sex, diversity and more. There are many teaching moments for all of us. For instance they have frequently encouraged me during our hikes and climbs, knowing that I have a fear of heights. They have also called attention to my occasional lack of patience (usually when I am hungry). Without easy access to friends, the traditional adolescent-parent relationship lines are blurred, giving us all opportunities to see things from a different perspective.
Last Saturday Carrie and I awoke to the sweet aroma of pancakes. Adam had risen early to make breakfast for the family. This morning I taught Benjamin how to make French toast – so I am eagerly looking forward to next weekend… I am thankful, and often overwhelmed, as I watch our boys grow into young men.
5 Comments
Susan Mims
August 26, 2012Wonderful post. You do have two amazing boys…I mean young men!
cheryl dotson
August 27, 2012Wonderful experiences!!! Huggs to all of you.
Carrie
September 3, 2012Hey Cheryl. Thanks for checking in. We’ll miss you guys this soccer season. Adam and Benjamin just started with a league here. All is well. Hope you and your family are well too.
Bonnie Parker
August 28, 2012What a special time this has been for you all! Love the post and love the photos of A&B.
Jo Jo
August 29, 2012Great photos – I can see the maturity change in their faces. I am so impressed at all of you making it to the summit. Your experiences all sound so wonderful. jo