Nineteen, nnnn nineteen. Most of you probably don’t remember that song form the 80’s (if you don’t then you aren’t really missing anything) but it has been rattling around in my head a lot today. For today *sounds fanfare* I am the proud owner of a nineteen year old.
Well proud and slightly overwhelmed if I am honest. Where did the last year go to, it only feels like five minutes since I was discussing the merits of eighteen years of parenting?
What a year it has been too. The teen picked up his proverbial socks up and worked them off again at school and in spite of working and playing rugby, he did what he needed to do to come away with awesome A level results. He made the decision to take a year out from school before going to university even though he was the only one amongst his group of friends to do so. He made the decision to apply to do creative writing in spite of some people (mainly me) trying to encourage him to do a more traditional course. He has worked hard in his part time job and has barely missed a shift and he has been self sufficient; rarely asking for money as he earns his own. He has made the decision to go to New Zealand after Christmas on his own and do some travelling before he starts university.
He has grown up and become an independent, freethinking young man and I am very proud of him.
What have I learnt this year? You can only guide your children to their next destination and support them. They need to find their own way, make their own mistakes and hopefully learn by them. I am also learning to let go. Slowly. Oh and that you are never too old to have a cake covered in Smarties.
Happy birthday xx
Happy Birthday to him! It’s a good day for birthdays! Xx
Sonya Cisco recently posted…Eleven
I think it must be a very good day
I know the song….hehehe
Happy Birthday to your son!
Kim Carberry recently posted…Our Weekly Meal Plan!! – #mealplanningmonday
It was a very annoying song from what I remember. Thank you
Happy birthday to your son and very well done to you for bringing such an amazing young man into the world. It sounds like he’s had a good year and has got his life really well mapped out. No wonder you’re proud of him!
Sarah MumofThree World recently posted…Happy birthday, 11 year old boy!
Thank you, yes he never fails to surprise me with the way he organises himself.
I know that song! That cake is awesome. Happy birthday to your son – and, my dear? You don’t look old enough. Hope he has a fab year out.
Jess Paterson recently posted…The Seven Stages of Accepting a New CBeebies Show
It was one of those annoyingly catching songs wasn’t it? Thank you, sadly I do feel old enough and I’m sure that he will do, especially without any parents looking over his shoulder
I remember the song very well. To paraphrase: ‘I was 19’.
I wish your young man a deliciously happy birthday. And, remind him of course: the best years are ahead.
I don’t remember the 19 song but I do now have the “74” song stuck in my head. Wow, you have a 19 year old!! I remember that being one of the best ages ever. Hope he had a very brilliant birthday. And you’re so right. You’re never too old to have a Smarties cake 🙂
I saw that awesome cake on twitter, and I’ll let you in on a little secret… my 22 year old still likes to get a Christmas stocking 🙂
Looking for Blue Sky recently posted…A very special 18th birthday