Departure

Well it's happening. I knew it would come sooner or later. But now that it's here it's too soon. I'm literally choking up with emotion as I write these words. I mean he could have waited until he was actually a teenager. But I know it's a road he must travel. I'm talking about the fact that my 12 year old son is starting to disengage. It's a departure of sorts from what used to be. He's starting to become a recluse. He's metamorphosing right before my very eyes.

This weekend his grandmother came to visit. It's been about six months since we last saw her and he was genuinely disinterested within the time span of one hour.

"May I be excused?" he inquired. Those were his parting words after approximately 8 minutes at the dinner table.

"Uhmm, where are you going?" I asked.

"Up to my room to watch TV." he said matter of factly.

"But grandma just got here." I said pleadingly.

"I know" he said.

"I guess...but don't you want some dessert?" I asked hoping that would change his mind.

"Nah, I'm good." he said, as he walked upstairs.

Sigh, how did this happen so quickly? I thought he was going to be more socially sensitive. I guess there are forces at work here bigger than his mom and I.

In vain I try to console myself thinking "please don't go too far for too long" I'm not ready for your departure.