These days, life looks a lot different. He’s taller than me now (and loves to remind me of it!), constantly cracking jokes, and always surrounded by the sound of drums from the school varsity drumline. He’s an amazing leader, full of creativity and heart, with a passion for manga, anime, and spending time with his friends. Watching him pour that same energy into the church, especially through music, makes me incredibly proud — he truly shines when he uses his gifts for something bigger than himself.

As a mom, it’s both beautiful and bittersweet to stand on the sidelines and watch him grow. There are moments when I catch a glimpse of his smile or hear his laugh, and for just a second, I see the little boy I’ve spent the past fifteen years raising — the one who used to climb into my lap for bedtime stories and whose world revolved around me. Now, his world is expanding, and I get to watch him step into it with confidence and grace.

Parenting a teenage boy isn’t always easy. It’s filled with moments of pride, a few eye rolls, late-night talks, and learning to let go — little by little. But being his mom is one of the greatest honors of my life. There’s something special about the bond between a mother and her son — it’s fierce, tender, and unbreakable.

I’m so proud of the young man he’s becoming, and I can’t wait to see what his future holds. For now, I’ll keep cheering him on, soaking up these moments, and holding tightly to the memories that made us who we are. 

Life Lately: Mom Reflections

This stage of parenting feels like a balancing act — one foot in the past, remembering the sweet, messy, wonderful little boy days, and the other stepping into the teenage years where independence and responsibility start to take root. It’s a reminder that motherhood doesn’t slow down; it simply shifts and grows with our kids.

I’ve learned that even when our teens seem like they don’t need us as much, they still do — just in different ways. They still need us to listen, to guide, and to show up. And honestly, they still need to hear how proud we are of them.

So, to all the moms walking through this stage — hang on to those hugs, those car ride conversations, and the laughter that fills your home. These moments matter.