Boys should be Boys

I have started reading a book called, "Boys Should Be Boys". It's by the same author as a book I read last winter about things that make you a better mother. I figured I should read a book about raising boys, since I am not a boy and don't know anything about them. Besides that they like trucks, food, and girls. Hmm. So anyways, I'm about half way through this book so far, and I am finding it to be very interesting, thoughtful, and eye opening. It is a geared a little more towards raising the teenage boy, but this is something I will need to be prepared for in a few years anyways. The book is constantly reinforcing that our boys are being bombarded by bad media, bad influences, and poor parents. I'd have to agree. Not only is this happening to boys, but girls as well. The author is a pediatrician and has seen her fare share of boys throughout their growing up years. She stresses the need for parents to always be present, vigilent, and understanding. Apparently, boys develop emotionally early, but things like common sense and maturity are later.....like early twenties. Interesting....eh? That explains alot...he,he, he!

Last night I read a chapter titled, "A Mother's Son". The chapter is about the effect mothers play in their son's lives. The first paragraph hit me like a ton of bricks. It goes like this:

" Beneath the ethereal joy a mother feels at the first sight of her son lies a nugget-sized ache wrapped in fear. Her infant son needs her. She loves him unconditionally. But she also feels the ache of knowing that he will grow into a man and leave, and one day belong to another. She will protect, adore, and nuture this tiny boy until he becomes a man, and then the ache will feel overwhelming. As a man he will leave, and life as mother will never be the same for her. From the moment she clings, she prepares herself ever so slowly for the eventual release."

I wish this wasn't so true, but it is. It's so strange because I really did/do feel this way. I knew since the day my boys were born that our relationship will forever be special, but this time where they are completely mine is very, very fleeting. It brings a tear to my eye. On the other hand though, I am proud and looking forward to raising two boys into men of character, faith, strength, and love. At least I hope to do this.

By they way....I need a daughter at some point. I will keep going until I get one. ;)

"A daughter is a daughter for life. A son is a son until he takes him a wife."