This is 17

So yesterday was Colin's 17th birthday. He started the day with Power School and Mass, then found out that we bought him a car.  (Yes, over the top, but having a 3rd driver in the house is going to be critical for our survival next year, so it is truly for the best.)

As usual, Hari wrote him a particularly thoughtful message to go along with his amazing presents, and I wanted to share that here:

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A very happy birthday to you!

17 years old is mind-boggling for me, but I could not be more proud of you.

You are one year from being an official adult.

You already continue to make great choices in your personal life that don’t just meet the bare minimum. Staying out of trouble is hard enough these days, but living life to a higher standard, putting faith, family, your health, and drive and determination in school and athletic pursuits at the forefront is a maturity I never had at your age and maybe never have.

You are a great example to all of us, especially your little brother. Remember, there are no obstacles too big to overcome when you have kept yourself strong mentally and physically to accept challenges that will continue to give you the life you deserve.

With age and as a reward to living the right way comes gaining freedoms you haven’t had before now. With those freedoms come bigger responsibilities and both wonderful and scary moments that can change your life in an instant. So please always know that with the whole world out there for you, don’t be in a hurry or rush - the world's not going anywhere…. Get there safe and sound.

Your birthday comes at an amazing time. It’s when the weather breaks every year. I will never forget the 96-degree day of the day you were born and the hot pavement burning my feet as I was walking around excitedly trying to get Mom to the hospital for your hurried arrival!

It also comes as baseball season gets in full flight every year, and all you have given the game and the game has given you with life lessons, friendships, and memories. Your journey has given me those same wonderful memories, and I know what you give to earn your spot on the field with your team and teammates! Baseball, like tennis for me, will always carry a special place in opportunities and memories of a lifetime for you. 

And lastly, your birthday always comes as school years are starting to wind down and we get a glimpse of what the next chapter is going to look like. We had your “rising seniors” mass and tie ceremony, and it shows how far you’ve come, but more importantly, what amazing things lie ahead. You are truly doing the right things to be prepared for success in life. As your freedoms come fast and furious I love it but feel a little sad that you may not need me around as much…. Even if it was just for rides, I got to see you do amazing things and get a glimpse into your life. I hope you don’t mind that I will keep sneaking in and showing up to see you do all these awesome things, even though you don’t need me anymore. Love you, my son, and a very happy birthday!

Dad

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Oh - and today he got his driver's license. So he's truly bonafide!

Oddly, the hardest part for me was him leaving for school.  It suddenly hit me that he was really, truly growing up and moving on.

I'm used to seeing him less - he's a teen. I expected that. Going to baseball with friends... no problem.  But somehow him getting into his own car and driving off... well, let's just say I may have had a meeting with a Kleenex or three.

I'm proud of him, and happy for him, but this is a tough one.  My Beastie is growing up.