I sat in my car and watched the man pull into the car park. He pulled the bike into a space a few car widths away from me, didn't seem to notice I was watching him.
I felt a little rude, voyeuristic even, studying the man so carefully. Through his visor I could just about see his face, but could not really read his expression. He looked weary, to be honest, maybe a little bit worried. I worried a little bit for him.
He turned the key, silencing the bike. Sat a moment longer. Seemed to be composing his thoughts. He looked familiar to me, but then again, looked like a complete stranger.
Then swung his leg over the bike and walked away from me.......
Odd behaviour on my part you might be thinking. Watching a man on his bike. But the man on the bike was my son. My 18 year old son who had just completed his CBT (bike training) successfully. I'm happy that it's one more (big!) step towards complete adulthood, complete independence.
As I type he's out, on his bike, with his friends heading for fireworks and fun in a nearby town without having to worry about buses or sorting lifts.
And although I'm happy for him, and extremely happy I won't have to drive out to pick him up later I'm really quite sad. Because it's one more (big) step towards complete adulthood, complete independence.
I felt a little rude, voyeuristic even, studying the man so carefully. Through his visor I could just about see his face, but could not really read his expression. He looked weary, to be honest, maybe a little bit worried. I worried a little bit for him.
He turned the key, silencing the bike. Sat a moment longer. Seemed to be composing his thoughts. He looked familiar to me, but then again, looked like a complete stranger.
Then swung his leg over the bike and walked away from me.......
Odd behaviour on my part you might be thinking. Watching a man on his bike. But the man on the bike was my son. My 18 year old son who had just completed his CBT (bike training) successfully. I'm happy that it's one more (big!) step towards complete adulthood, complete independence.
As I type he's out, on his bike, with his friends heading for fireworks and fun in a nearby town without having to worry about buses or sorting lifts.
And although I'm happy for him, and extremely happy I won't have to drive out to pick him up later I'm really quite sad. Because it's one more (big) step towards complete adulthood, complete independence.
Congratulations to your son on completing his CBT - certainly a milestone! Our boys are still waaaay too young but I suspect I will have the same mixed emotions when they get to that age. #magicmoments
ReplyDeleteawww Afra ... I am so so dreading/looking forward to this stage with Beth, it is the certain move to adulthood .. good luck to your son and be safe on his new bike adventure x
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up with #MagicMoments
Congrats to your son on passing his CBT. Hope he has many adventures on his new bike :)
ReplyDeleteOh I can imagine the mixed emotions! Here's to him having lots of brilliant - but safe - adventures! #MagicMoments
ReplyDeleteWow! That must be so wonderful and yet so difficult for you at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWow that is a step towards independance, my eldest wants one but the country lanes here are so dangerous I've said no. It is 5 miles to main roads for us and they are like death traps for bikes. An advantage for town life for you and I bet your son is so happy with his independance. Popping over from What's the Story & Magic Moments
ReplyDeleteWow what a fabulous post Afra. How brilliant for your son to pass his CBT, what exciting times. He must be so chuffed and he'll love to have some independence. Thank you for sharing with #whatsthestory
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your big one and what a great post. Did wonder where it was going. A Fab read #whatsthestory
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for feeling sad. I often wish I could keep my children little for ever. It must be nice to not have to be the taxi service though!
ReplyDeleteWow the independence that's going to bring him!
ReplyDelete#MagicMoments
Big step and I guess a bit bitter sweet...feel that with every little extra step of independence. On the other hand, look upon it was a job well done!
ReplyDeleteOh my, a huge milestone and rite of passage for every boy on his way to becoming a man :) #MagicMoments
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son! Such a big step, but I can understand your mixed emotions xx #WhatstheStory #MagicMoments
ReplyDeleteI'm getting more used to him being out and about already. I suppose as parents we will never stop worrying!
ReplyDeleteThat is a big step! It must feel strange to know he is so independent. And no doubt a little bit worrying that he's on a motorbike!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how it feels to see one's son grow into a young man and become more independent. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteMy son is close to turning 18 and it seems such a big game changer. He is a young man now and whilst I am so proud of what he has become, it scares me that he is off making his own choices without me tugging at the reins. A big learning curve ahead.
ReplyDeleteparenting challenges never end!
DeleteI can totally relate to this. I already dread the point where my children will leave home, become independent and need me less - whilst at the same time craving the slice of my own independence that that will give me back. I told my daughter yesterday that she would always be my baby and was met with angry defiance, I think however old they are, however big they are, to us - in part - they remain that tiny helpless infant that first came into our arms. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this with us at #PostsFromTheHeart
ReplyDeleteOh no, i could never watch my son on a motorbike.I just dont like them. Lovely post about wacthing him earm another stripe on his road to adulthood #PostsFromTheHeart
ReplyDelete