They DO grow up

Ethan rode his bike down to the boat launch to fish at the tubes today. It is something he has been doing lately, but today it really struck me as I stopped to watch him for a few minutes. He is one of the big kids. He's doing more and more of those independent activities on his own. I eavesdropped on his conversations with others as they were all lined up along the shore. They were talking about what bait and tackle they were using, why they were using it, and how it was working for them. Of course, there were even a few fish stories. It's an interesting experience to see your kids functioning completely without you in the world. Like baby wood ducks jumping out of the nest and learning to fly for the first time. You hope you have taught them enough to make it on their own.
He told me I could stay for awhile, but I sorta felt like I was intruding on some sacred "guy" ritual, so I left him to fish with the others. Sometimes a mom just has to let her son hang with the guys - on his own.