My date with a great guy

On Saturday night, I went on a date with a super handsome, sweet guy. Okay, this time it wasn't my husband - it was my eleven year old son Caleb. And I guess it wasn't exactly a date; we went to Winco. Still, we had a great time.

I truly love Caleb more than I can ever express. And maybe because he is my oldest, I have stressed over his life more than any mother should.

During our lowest moments I have even imagined him on America’s Most Wanted. I even know what awful school picture they would use to show what an unhappy childhood he had which, of course, they would say led him to his life of crime.

I have spent many nights crying and praying for help in raising him. In fact most of my prayers include a plea for help in becoming a better mother. I have been comforted on many occasions and have been given impressions of who my son really is, which really helps during the hard times.

Still, it is hard to watch him struggle. But maybe some of these strong spirits have to learn to walk alone. Maybe he needs these hard experiences to build his character and to learn the lessons he needs to become who God wants him to be.

I’ve had a few glimmers of hope this week. Last Sunday, Caleb taught the best family home evening lesson and followed it with his testimony, which, as far as I know, he has never shared.

As we have read our scriptures this week, I have been so impressed with his knowledge. You would never guess that he is listening, I mean he is usually upside down. But apparently, that is his learning position because things seem to be getting in.

Then yesterday, he shared a sweet story in Primary about when his sister was born, and how nervous he was. I’ve told him stories about his birth and how it was a bit traumatic. He loves to hear these stories and laughs when I tell him that he was blue when he was born.

Well, apparently, this planted a seed, and he was worried that Ava might have some of the same problems. He shared with the Primary that he had really been worried about Ava, and the Holy Ghost had comforted him that day.

These seem like small experiences, but Caleb just doesn’t share that much of himself with us. It always means so much to me to see the tenderness that he keeps hidden away.

On our Saturday night date, Caleb was so fun to be with. He was calm, appropriate, clever, funny, helpful, and a complete gentleman. He worked hard and didn’t ask me to buy him anything. We laughed and talked and really enjoyed our time together.

I’m so grateful for these experiences because I feel like I gotten a glimpse of the man he will be after all of this awkward childhood stuff is done.