My nephew Don turned 16 today. He was already lined up at the DMV at 8:00 a.m. to get his driver's permit. He was so excited he could hardly sleep.
Don's always been a bit of a mystery to me. I grew up with a sister, 6 aunts, and only one uncle. I was more used to the habits of women. When my dad would spent sunday on the couch in full Buffalo Bills paraphenilia, cheering the television screen, we'd just roll our eyes. "What is he yelling for? It's not like they can hear him."
Then Don came along and we got to see a boy grow up in front of our eyes. He's quiet, thoughtful, athletic, and focused. A champion swimmer and football player. He likes old music and history. He LOVES cars.
The outlines of the man he'll be start to fill in. When my mother was laid off a couple years ago, Don offered to find an after school job. He was too young but his offer was serious. He might want to drive fast cars but I think he'll stand and bear the responsibilities and burdens that'll come to him with grace.
My Dad used to wax and buff his car and park it half way across the lot so no other cars would be near him. "Um Dad, it's an inanimate object. Just a hunk of metal". I couldn't care less about cars. I didn't get my driver's license until college. But for them, a car is more than just a hunk of metal. It's freedom and thrills and probably lots of things I can't understand.
Last time my nephew visited he brought a movie called "Fast and Furious". Apparently there's several of them. Each one takes place in a different city and consists mainly of a guy driving very fast the entire time. Don I wish you a lifetime of exciting drives. I hope you enjoy the adrenalin and the thrill of an open road and the pedal beneath your foot. But please, please slow down a bit. You're already sixteen and that's just too fast and furious for me!
(photo above taken during a recent engagement session with susan and greg)
