independence day

today marks a very major milestone in the short history of my six year old nephew's life. he, for the first time in his brief school career, rode the school bus. to and from school. and the idea to do so was of his own volition! this very sweet, shy, adorable little guy doesn't venture too far away from things and people familiar. especially his mommy. but out of the blue he announced to her on the way to school yesterday (up until recently, he was a car rider) that he would like to ride the bus to and from school.

now as you can imagine that this came as a very big shock to his mother. who, by the way, has every picture of every waking moment of her baby's life framed, cataloged and very well documented. she's totally in love with this angel and extremely protective. so you can see how this decree of independence comes with mixed feelings. since she does want him to have more independence as he gets older, she's very proud. but also his riding the school bus now takes away from the time they share, just the two of them, riding to and from school in the mornings and afternoons.

so this morning, nephew laid out his plan of action for mom to follow. he'll get up, brush the teeth, get dressed, comb the hair, eat breakfast, watch a little cartoon network and then have granddaddy walk him to the bus stop just a few houses down. then, when comes home in the afternoon, my sister is to be waiting for him at the bus stop to walk him home. sounds like a well-thought out plan, don't you think? my little organizer! did i mention that his reading level for a kid his age is above average. genius!

so what's the real reason for nephew's sudden desire for transportation freedom. a girl. there's a little girl that lives a few doors down who rides the bus. she's his friend. they play together outside. they're in the same class. and so, to keep his little manhood viable, nephew had decided to ride. and sit next to her of course. ah, watch out sis, there'll be plenty of other women in the future vying to take the attention of sonny-jim's affection.

but now matter how it came. my "boy" has gained his independence today. my heart breaks as with each day he grows more independent.

be independent. be blessed.