role reversal

He's 17 on the verge of 18. Typical teenager in many aspects, and yet he continually ceases to amaze, move, surprise, and overwhelm me. He is my son.

My wife and I have always known how utterly blessed we were when we received a call about his birth and within days adopted this incredible human being.

He's almost 18 and yes as an 18 year old he is ready to fly out on his own. He is biting at the bit to live life on his own, but he has one more year of school. During the past year he has begun to carve out his own schedule. He often reports rather than asks how late he will be. Sometimes we override his plans. When we do he simply says, "Yes, sir."

The other night he came in on the early side of late night. I was in bed reading, my wife asleep. He stood at my bedside much like my mother and father did when I was young. He had the voice of wisdom and authority and told me that I had no other choice but to take the car in to get the brakes fixed tomorrow. "Dad, you cannot delay this. It must happen tomorrow. We have waited too long and there is no other option. Will you promise me that you will take care of it tomorrow?"

Like a wise parent he anticipated my response. "Son, I have to see if we can afford it." We had just spent a whop of money on the other vehicle we drive.

Without flinching he pulled out of his pocket cash.....lots of it. He's had a full time job this summer and has made good money. He counted out on my night stand $350. "This should take care of it Dad. If you don't have time to get the car fixed I'll rearrange my work schedule and do it." I assured him I would take care of it. "Oh, by the way," he said. "You can pay me back when ever I'm not worried about that."

I was in shock. I wanted to cry. I wanted to..... I was proud.

The brakes got fixed the next morning.
The following morning we woke up with a flat tire.
He took care of the tire for us.

What 17 year old thinks this way?
Truly my wife and I are blessed beyond measure.