Writing and Life

Yesterday I got to read the first chapter of a story my oldest is writing. He wanted me to wait until the entire chapter was complete and then made sure I didn't see notes of plot ideas he had at the end of the document.

He printed it out for me, and I got a fresh cup of decaf, made myself comfy on the couch and dove in.

Note: I am a proud mama, and this is my blog, so I will probably be gushing here. But I get to. You can gush on your blog (or in my comments.. I love gushing!)

As I read the chapter, I, as Mom, could see so much behind it. Little jokes or witticisms that truly encompass his sense of humor. The names of the characters have some history behind them that only a member of the family could discern, but other characters namings remind me a lot of JRR Tolkien's, since he is a big influece in the writing of both sons.

As I read a description, such as 'light filtering onto the forest floor', I caught myself wondering where he pulled that from. Was it a trip we made to the redwoods in California when he was little? A movie he saw? A nature hike we took in Ohio? Or maybe a book he read?

As I read on, with more descriptions, character development, dialog, I realized this little bit of writing is a reflection of his life and experiences thus far. It was fun when I could relate to one in particular and maybe know where it came from, but also fun to hear him come up with something brand new and wonder where it came from.

This ds will be 17 this month, and the past few months have been one of those transitions. We can all list the big ones, even if they are gradual and we don't see them coming:
- Newborn to babyhood and recognizing the world
- Toddlers ready to take on the world fearlessly
- Adolescents coming into thier own
-Teens and all the push pull it requires

I know which one it is: to adulthood. As he makes that path, I feel very lucky that he writes as it helps me see a small slice of the culmination of ideas and impressions he has garnered that are making up who he is.

[Ok, if you are reading this ds, no pressure on your writing. I don't always get this deep. But if you ever write a story with a mean mother in it, you better be careful, and not name her Syndee. lol ]

Yesterday I went to an neighbor's and we had a glass of wine and talked. She is 74.

She asked me about the boys, amazed at their age and height and what the boys want to be when they 'grow up'. I told her they have not pinpointed it, but they both like to write. Now that ds is 17 it is becoming more real that he will be doing something, working out there in the world. I hope he writes. We need some sane writers, especially in the media. And he likes to write, likes working with words.

But, again, I see this gradual transition happening. In the past like most moms, I would think about what they would 'be' how to prepare them, what subjects to cover, etc. But now that I am almost on the other side, I am seeing how truly important it is to nurture their interests, make them important and be involved. Focus on strengths and manage weaknesses.

God is also in his wisdom (at least I am guessing this is a God-thing)- putting just the right people in my path. Of course my dear homeschool friends. But also those and other moms whose kids are up and gone. And love their life post-kids. Well they still have their kids, but they have 'grown up' kids.

Just last week at my spinning class (a new endevor for me) I met a women who has three kids, all grown. She was telling me yesterday how fun it is to be a grandma. I need to hear that. My neighbor said the same.. that she and her dh traveled the world together and have had a very full life.

This is good--- being a mom of babies, then little ones is good.. and then teens... but there is life after. And I am on my way there... like it or not.. but I know I will like it.

I look forward to these adults I am going be have in my life.... :)