Goodbye to My Little Guy

There are many milestones in parenthood.

Your pregnancy. The birth of your child. First words. When they smile. The first day of school. First games. Double digits.

My “Little Ricky” is about to hit a major milestone in his life. He will no longer be in Elementary School.

That may not seem like a major life change to some, but to this mom, it’s everything. My baby…my first born will no longer be a little guy. I know he hasn’t been one for quite some time…his attitude and body has proven that to me. It’s just with this small milestone that he will achieve this week, I am reminded one more time that I have to say goodbye to my little guy.

Yes, he still curls up next to me and plays with my hair while we watch some silly TV show. He still likes when I read to him, although the books have gotten more intense. He still makes sure that I’m watching when he does a cool trick in the pool or on his bike.

 

It’s just that now, more than ever, he is breaking away from me. He is learning yearning to be more independent. He is finding his voice. He is learning from his mistakes and getting his heart broken. He is no longer my little guy.

Now that we are nearing the teenage years, I know that he will go to his dad for more things. They are turning into buddies and confidants. I know I will be angry and frustrated as he changes these next few years as our relationship changes.

Although I may no longer be the first person he comes to, I want him to know that I will always be his biggest fan, his greatest defender, and his quiet shoulder. He will always be my baby even though I have to say goodbye to my little guy.