Puberty

Your major growth spurt still alludes you. You're upset that your 10 yo friends are giving you hand-me-downs. But just today you noticed your own BO, and you've got two- TWO - zits, the most you've ever had at one time. Your Dad and I have both noticed the darkening of your lip hairs.

Dude. It's on its way. Won't be long now. Soon I won't have to urge you to eat. Your voice will change. You'll trip on everything.

It's all part of growing up. It scares me more than it thrills you, I think. It's a reminder that your time with me is limited. Have I done all I can do? Is it enough? Have I let you down?

I know I've made mistakes. I'm human and I can't help it. My hope is that because you're such a smart, sweet, loving, creative, resourceful fellow, you'll do just fine in spite of me.

I love you so much,
Mom

Pictures

I have a flickr account which you rarely bother to peruse. When you do, you invariably start making a ruckus about the pictures of you that are on there. How dare I! Post! Pictures! Of! You!

From your perspective it's a gross invasion of privacy. The whole internet is looking at pictures of you being a goof. Your delicate teenage image is being destroyed.

From my perspective, this is our family picture album. How am I supposed to leave you out? Love and photograph all my children except for you? Nope. Sorry. And as for the whole internet looking: Nope. Sorry. It's our friends and family - the same people who would see these pictures if they were in our house looking at a paper photo album.

Perhaps this is a mistake I'm making. I don't know. I want to respect your budding sense of self and your privacy, but at the same time I think of these pictures as mine. They are images I make and share with people who care. Right this minute you're embarrassed, but one day you're going to look back on these pictures and be so glad I took them. And even if you don't, your future family will.

If this is a mistake, I apologize. I do it with the best intentions.

Love,
Mom