Mowing
by Rob

It's a rite of passage, and today it happened. Nate helped mow the grass. I say "helped," since I did all of the trimming and the first half of the yard myself. Then we had lessons on how to stop the mower, how to start the mower, and how to follow the path. Then I stood back and watched. It was a much bigger deal for me than I expected. Watching him and thinking about how big he is was something for me to process. And it made me remember something of my own experience -- being 12 and mowing yards in our neighborhood. This all led to thinking about much more of what it's like being that age. Ready or not, Nate, here it comes.

When he was finished, he stopped the mower, turned and looked at me, raised both hands over his head and let out a "Woo-hoo!"

"Well, I mowed the grass!"

Yes, Buddy, you did, and you did a good job.

I wonder how long it will be before you can do the whole lawn. I wonder how long it will be before I can just tell you it has to get done and not even go outside to check on you. I wonder how long it will be until you think, "Oh crap, I have to mow the grass."