Rite of Passage

Today I took JB to buy his first college course book! He's taking a dual credit course this summer and needed to go get his book. On the way there I suddenly realized that I didn't need to get out in the heat and traffic - the boy has a perfectly good Jeep and a perfectly good driver's license that he could have been using. I turned to head for home and send him on his way with my debit card (he's trustworthy, so far) when he said he wanted me to go. I though, "oh, my little boy needs me, " but no - my little boy wasn't sure where he was going and didn't want to be stuck in traffic in the crazy heat in a Jeep with no top on it. Oh well, at least he needed me for something. But he DIDN'T want me to go into the store with him. (Aww, shucks)

We got to Bevo's Bookstore, and I was wishing I had brought something to do with me. I remember my first venture into the University Coop - hours of lines, confusing stacks, no one to help - and I was expecting a bit of a wait. He popped into the store, got the book, bought it (with my debit card) and popped back out. All in less than 3 minutes.

Now, I'm thrilled to be able to be a part of this rite of passage that my firstborn went through today, but where was the anguish? The pain? The confusion? It all seemed too easy (though not any cheaper) to be a real rite. After a few moments I came to realize that I wish his life could always be this way...that all of the petty things that have caused me grief could be easy for him. I know we have to experience some suffering in order to truly appreciate how good we have it, but I would love to save my children the hassle of the inconveniences that life throws our way. Alas, I can't, so I'll just have to be supportive when they arise and remind him to look at the bright side - it is just an inconvenience, not a real problem.

Now I think I'll go cheer him on as he replaces his brake pads...a hassle he's just going to have to work through...