Growing up before my eyes and I didn't even see it - Part 2

James is heading off to a baseball tournament and spring training session in Myrtle Beach this Friday. I've spent the last few days preparing for this trip, both physically and psychologically.

We went shopping on Saturday after a parents' meeting last week in which the parents were advised to pack seven days worth of baseball clothing for the trip. We needed socks, baseball pants, t-shirts, long johns. Actually, I need none of that. James needs it.

So shopping began. James is a good kid. He works really hard in school, is doing great and I'm really proud of him. So I shop with him. He is price conscious and he's learned how to shop for a good bargain. Makes me proud.

So we shopped, found what he needed, found the best prices and talked about how sometimes you get what you need, even if it is a bit more money.

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. We went to Spuntino, our favorite Italian restaurant. We agreed as a family that was where we wanted to go. Spuntino is to Jamie as Cheers was to Norm. Everyone knows his name and even better, the food is excellent. The meal and the company was superb as always. When it came time to pay the bill, I was told it had been paid. It had been paid by James, my fourteen year old son.

He got up quietly towards the end of the meal and paid the bill without a word to his parents.

During our shopping trip, I had told James, do well in school, work hard and I am happy to reward you.

My son rewarded me today. I couldn't be prouder.