Only two more days of summer vacation for my eldest born son. As a college football player, at age 20 he has been home for about three weeks and enjoying a relaxed schedule . I purposely try not to be too demanding of him as I know he needs the tranquility of this time before summer workouts begin at school. I enjoy seeing his relaxed demeanor watching sitcoms, playing video games with his younger brother and eating of course.
It gives me joy as a Mother to hear him say he paid a visit to his grandmothers – both of them. Or to hear he took the time to attend a High School Graduation of a student from our old neighborhood. Goodness personified. Did I instill that character trait? In the 20 years under my roof, somewhere along the way it stuck! It sunk in – honesty, character, sincerity, balance, and just overall ‘Goodness’. It is not my aim to write a narcissistic article on my son, but my heart is filled with such pride and gratitude that I had to share my experience as a parent of a young adult.
I want to have him home for just another week – to enjoy the fruits of my labor. But he is returning to college for summer classes and to resume his important position on the roster of his collegiate football team. I feel the urge to squeeze every life lesson that I can into him while he is at home. I want him to be aware politically, and to keep up with his faith walk, and to be alert in class and participate in this awesome time of learning and impartation. I want to inform him about career choices ‘after football’ and encourage moral responsibility to society. I worry about who he will ultimately select as a wife and confidant. I pray for loyal friendships and a supportive network in his world. I start to think about so many things he needs to know outside of the four walls of our home. I think about the many snares and pitfalls in this great big world.
Then, I have to just snap out of it and think back to when he was in kindergarten. How I had concerns about this new ‘big step’ he was taking. I worried if he would eat his lunch and like it. He did. If it worked out then, things will continue to progress now. It is acceptable for parents, guardians and mentors to take a bow and step back and look at the culmination of your sacrifice and hard work. Give praise to your children and thank the Lord above for the good that has been bestowed. I encourage each of you to repress any feelings of worry and agitation and embrace a view of optimism and hope for those who are in your charge. You will find someday that you need not had to worry after all.
Erica Rocker-Wills
For more about Erica visit her Pro Player Insider bio page by clicking here.
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