Cheers for a Fun, Smart and Safe New Year!

Be safe. How many times have you told your children to “Be Safe”? My youngest, who is an adult and is going to do whatever he wants to do, just walked out of the door with these words following him. I usually say “Have Fun”, (a futile attempt to be fun Mom) followed by “Be Smart” and then I stick in the forever prayer of all moms – “Be Safe”. It’s New Year’s Eve, so I also threw in a “Don’t Make Me Worry” for good measure. I covered as much as I could in a simple good-bye. (I really don’t sit around and obsess about unknown danger but I would be lying to tell you I didn’t worry about them). My other two sons are also grown – and flown from the nest and I will probably impart these hopes and advice upon them before they go out tonight, too. I may call them – or maybe I will send a text. Either way, they too are adults and are going to do whatever they want. And they should – they’re young – it’s New Year’s Eve – and you only live once! (Yes, I know, another desperate attempt at Fun Mom).
I wonder if we ever stop worrying about our children and then I remember my dad. I drove him to the doctor when I was almost 50 years old and he told me to slow down and drive safely. Actually, I’m not sure if he was concerned about my safety or his. . . but either way he wasn’t done worrying. He’s gone now and I miss him for a world of reasons. One of those reasons just might be that I miss my dad worrying about me. Crazy, isn’t it. That same worry that used to drive me nuts and get me into all sorts of trouble is now something I miss. What a gift it is to have someone love you so much that they worry about you!
So, I will continue to worry about my sons since I can’t control much of anything about them anymore. I will continue to pray for them and try not to be ridiculous with advice. After all, they are adults. One day they will realize what a treasure my worrying is. For now it is enough that they know I love them. So for tonight – for New Year’s Eve. . . . . “Have Fun”, “Be Smart”, and “Be Safe”.