I stopped picking up our towels to fold when I hear my son say, “Mom, I want to take boxing lessons with Dad.”
Who are you and what have you done with my sweet, shy boy? Not to mention, he’s always had this cherub-like face which I don’t want punched: thank you very much. I was having this silent argument in my head, when Brian says,
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time.” He looks at me (almost straight in the face now) with those deep blue eyes and perfect blond eyelashes. He pulls my heart straight out of my chest sometimes.
“I know.”
In my heart I know he has wanted to do this for a long time. He’s been trying on his dad’s boxing gloves since he was three. He’s a good kid. I’m lucky that way, and he really doesn’t ask for much. He is turning 14.
Shit, 14.
I could write some negative things about his dad, with ex’s we always have a few, but over-all my ex is a very loving Father who is nicely growing up with his son. My ex was once a boxer. I think my son wants to go try on a piece of his dad for a while, like girls enjoy trying on their mother’s shoes.
So you see, all this is my attempt to explain why my ex picked Brian up at 5:45 tonight to go to the boxing gym. I managed to have Brian in new, long work-out shorts and matching sleeveless shirt. With his hoodie pulled over his growing shoulders, he actually resembles a boxer. Hopefully, this phase will pass soon and he’ll be back to playing baseball. A girl can hope, can’t she? I am behind his decision though, just because it is his decision. We have to let our kids begin taking small control of their decisions, because before we know it, they are adults. Besides, he’s getting decent grades, what do I say?
I can write that I am home alone tonight, in quiet with nothing but Frank Sinatra on in the background, a cup of tea and I’m even thinking of a fire. I guess there’s something to be said for ex’s and boxing. I am sure you can hear my relaxed sigh half way around the world.
Brian reminded me that he met with his high school counselor today. “How did it go?” (Thinking he will tell me of all the classes he’ll be taking, and his current grades because he has been doing well there – yes feel free to slap me upside the head – he is a man). “I signed up for freshman football again Mom.”
Football… the same football you said you hated three years ago,when you quit last time? Do you not remember who your Dad is? The aging jock? I thought I was doing a great Mom job of making you a nerd. Who are you and what have you done with my sweet, innocent boy?
I can hear my Irish Grandmother dancing in her grave for her great grandson has taken up that fine Irish tradition of boxing, Catholic guilt and the sweet love of potatoes.
Until next time-
C
http://www.aweekinthelifeofaredhead.com
