Today, Caedmon is 16, and it feels like a big deal.  I mean, it is kind of a big deal.  We took him to get his permit first thing this morning, and although he aced his written test, I know the months ahead promise lots of learning experiences for him, and will foretell a shift in dynamics around here (Caedmon, can you run to the store for me?  Here, drive yourself to saxophone lessons, today (?!)…and so on).

It’s just one milestone in a list of milestones that keeps growing.

He finished building his 12-ft dinghy (rowboat) this past summer and proved it sea-worthy (or, at least, river-worthy). He took his PSAT as a “practice run” for next year, and scored in the 97th percentile.  He grew 3 inches this year, reaching and surpassing my height now, and not seeming to be finished growing yet.  He took on house projects, and demonstrated not only capability, but the determination and work-ethic to endure some messy, physically demanding, tedious conditions to see the jobs through to completion.  He has steadily improved in his saxophone playing, his Tae Kwon Do skills, and anything he has set his mind to.

But perhaps even more significant than all of those has been his persistence in assessing his own beliefs, opinions, and character.  He knows what he believes, in many instances, but he is refining those beliefs – in some cases bolstering, in some learning to afford latitude – by asking questions, processing what he sees and hears, and attempting more and more to frame his understanding with biblical truth.

There is so much about Caedmon that makes me proud, and so much that I will miss when it’s time for him to venture into whatever plans and purposes God has for him.  I might be biased, but I think he is exceptional, and I am so thankful for these sixteen years.  He’s not exactly my “little guy” any more, but I love him now as much or more as when he first made me a mom, and he will always be just as precious.