Sons to the Rescue!

It seems like last week they were little boys sitting on the school bus. This week they’re in their thirties with full beards and lives of their own. What happened? Where did the time go? Here are five reasons I’m so glad sons were invented…

They’re strong – It’s that time of life. My poor kids Patrick and Paul, never get to visit without being put to work in some fashion. Whether helping replace a ceiling lightbulb or schlepping out summer furniture, they’re always pressed into service. Recently, both came to visit at different times of the week, and each helped me carry heavy items to the basement. Sometimes, they’ve been working all day themselves, but help their poor mom without fuss or complaint. I’m grateful.

They’re useful – Not only do they help me physically, but they help in other ways too. Paul, our youngest, is a professional chef. The other day he came to my kitchen and whipped up a focaccia bread, just for kicks. It was delicious and exactly what I needed to tune out this crazy world. Speaking of crazy worlds, my oldest Patrick is a mental health therapist. Since I’m good at catastrophizing… well, everything, Patrick’s good at putting life back into perspective. (What’s the worst-case scenario? What are the odds of that happening, he asks?). Always, I feel better.

They’re nice – I love the companionship of my guys. Paul and I have watched “Top Chef” together for years. We still love to predict who will get the inevitable, “Please pack your knives and go.” I always associate that show with happy times and occasionally, Paul and I still catch an episode together. Patrick is a musician, and we compare writing songs with writing blog posts, how to get the most responses on social media, how to keep going when times get tough, and you feel discouraged. It’s nice when you not only love your kids but like them.

They’re funny – From a young age, our boys loved to laugh, and we always encouraged that. Even in elementary school, Paul could tell a story about a visit to the dentist, complete with impersonations and quirky mannerisms. We’d be in stitches (no pun intended) listening over dinner. Patrick is a great laugher, and his specialty are witty come backs, usually done with a straight face, which of course, makes them funnier. Humor has always been a great way to communicate in our family. I’m proud to say, we’ve raised funny kids.

Finally, they’re wise – If I have a problem, I often turn to one of my boys. “Don’t worry about it, it’s not that important to the big picture,” is usually Paul’s advice, and most times, he’s right. Patrick, in his soothing, therapist way, helps me logically look at the possibilities and asks insightful questions: what can you do about this? What are the steps you can take to make things better? What’s the best that can happen? After talking to them both, I feel instantly better. What a blessing.

There comes a time in every parent’s life when we realize we’re no longer in charge of our children. Not only that, but more and more, we rely on them to help us through life. I’m also grateful that Patrick and Paul have not only stayed brothers, but good friends too.

Sigh. I’ll still see a school bus and miss those two adorable little boys. But I’m so grateful for these two wonderful men.

Do you have wonderful adult children? Comments are always welcome!

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