He still calls me mama. I give him rides and occasional advice that he may or may not take. But now, it’s my turn to listen.
I listen to his thoughts and opinions on the world. He has a kind and genuine heart and cares about other people.
I listen to his goofy stories about him and his friends. He is hilarious and makes me laugh every day.
I listen to his input while making the grocery list. He is the one who does all the work when we go grocery shopping. He pushes the cart and grabs those items that are just out of my reach on the top shelf. He bags the groceries at checkout. He is a fantastic cook.
I listen as he is my front seat navigator. He finds us the fastest route from point A to point B. He puts gas in my car.
I listen as he plays with his little brother and cousins. He gives his brother the sweetest advice, and they are getting along more now than ever. He carries around two babies on his hips at a time. He plays with toys with the toddlers and lets his cousins put makeup on him while FaceTiming his girlfriend.
I listen and say yes when he asks to have friends over. He doesn’t hesitate to help me clean the house or throw in a load of laundry.
I love this boy, who’s becoming a man right in front of my eyes, with my whole heart.
This is 14.
Originally published on the author’s Facebook page
by Amy Keyes 
by Sarah Luke 
