My son was taking a test today. My friend's son across the country in another state was taking a different kind of test. Both are pursuing careers as far from each other on the spectrum of job preferences as one can get. They are a year apart in age. But as moms of adult children, we share with each other the hopes and dreams for our sons. Our day was spent texting each other culminating in a long phone conversation when both arrived home from work. Our thoughts are not only upon our own sons but each other and the other's son. We are all mixed up together.
     It will not be until our boys have children who grow up to become young adults that they will understand our hearts. When they experience it, then they will know. We may be around to see it. We may not. Right now, they have no idea how much we are effected by their decisions, choices, day to day lives, pursuits, relationships, hobbies, vices and struggles, failures and achievements, talents and accomplishments. A test at 9AM, an interview at 10, a doctor's appointment at 2, a trip over the weekend, a new purchase, a new relationship, a new problem, a new change...we are right there with them, waiting to hear the result, news, an account, really as much as they will tell us. They have no idea how present we are, do they? How much of our days and nights are taken up with thoughts of them. How often we are on our knees on their behalf. And of course, we dare not tell them. The truth would embarass them, maybe even make them angry.
     We have each other, my friend and I. Mothers of sons. Their biggest fans, holding the deepest love, experiencing that "thrill of victory, agony of defeat", never giving up hope, never ceasing in prayer, longing for the world to know them for who they really are, desiring their fullest potential to be realized, their biggest dreams fulfilled. We are their safety net when needed. We believe in them. We again and again are "letting them go". There seems to be no end to the ache in our hearts whether its from pain or great joy. Perhaps it is always there.
     So all you mothers of baby boys, beware! Find a fellow mother-of-a-son to travel through the years with. You are in for quite a ride.