Major milestone in our house today.
This guy?
Turns eighteen today.
EIGHTEEN.
His coming of age means all kinds of things for him, of course. Among other things, he is eligible to vote, and as he pointed out at the dinner table a while back, he can now sign himself out of school “should he need to leave early for any reason.” Ahem.
This birthday also impacts Jim and me, of course. It’s a little stunning to realize that on this, our younger son’s eighteenth birthday, we are no longer legally responsible for anyone except for ourselves. Bizarre, even.
I casually mentioned to J two weeks ago that he only had fourteen days left to break the law and not be held legally responsible. He said, “Hmm! Great point. Thanks for reminding me! Now, what should I do?”
Not exactly the response I was expecting, but luckily he was kidding. He made a couple of comments over the following days like, “I wonder if I should rob a bank” and “Maybe I should beat somebody up…” (Still kidding.)
A couple of days ago, someone brought it up at the dinner table again and he said, “Hmm, how badly do I want to figure out something to do?” I responded, “I don’t know; how badly do you want us to cancel all of your birthday plans?”
Checkmate.
Last night he was down to asking if it is legal to throw bananas at strangers. Funny guy.
The best thing about all of this is, I’ve never been given any reason to worry that either of my kids was going to do anything that would get me into legal trouble. I have, as you know, fabulous kids. Err, adults. You know what I mean. I couldn’t be prouder.
That’s all the more reason to celebrate this milestone, don’t you think?
Happy eighteenth, J. You amaze me every single day with your kind heart, your sense of humor, your smarts, your thoughtfulness, and your overall good nature. You are quite the young man and I am so lucky to be your mom. I love you!
10 Comments
Dawndi
Happy Birthday, J!!!
Mrs4444
Yea! Happy Birthday to your “boy.”
I found it cute that you felt the need to put “still kidding” after his threat to beat someone up.
Very creative title, too, my friend 🙂
Melisa Wells
Well, you never know who’s reading. Just wanted to clarify. 🙂
megryansmom
He’s old enough to buy his first penthouse. 😉
Mom24_4evermom
Happy Birthday J! So much ahead of you!
Grandma W
HAPPY BIRTHDAY J. Hmmmmm Mel didn’t you get married at 18??????? I don’t think he is thinking about that. Thank G
Love Grandma W
Alexandra
Happy Birthday!!
You know what? Your mom is one of the coolest ladies I know.
You are a lucky, lucky guy to have such a smart, fearless women in your life–loving you the way she does, and guiding you the way she knows how.
Tara R.
Hope J had a wonderful birthday celebration. His cake was amazing!
I feel for ya, Melisa… it does seem weird when all your babies are considered legal adults. But, we were child brides, and still so very young ourselves.
Patty
Happy belated birthday to J!
Congrats on raising another amazing young man! 🙂
TheNextMartha
I could only hope to raise my sons as well as you have.