I guess as a mother, I have this perspective of my children. As I watch them grow and flourish, I am stunned by their wisdom and willingness to be teachable. But, most of all, I am in awe of their comfort level in doing what feels right for them versus what everyone else is doing.
Bryce turned twenty-one a little over a week ago and we celebrated with him this past weekend. I have shared in past blogs – and we are very open about this – that Brian is a recovering alcoholic with 18 years of sobriety. Bryce was two when Brian found his spiritual sober solution, so he never experienced the chaos that his drinking brought to our lives, but he heard the stories. He knows the genetic tendencies as it is flows on both sides of our families. With that information, he opted to not drink in high school or college. While his friends played drinking games, he participated with water. He was never pressured, but he was sort of that mystery. The unicorn if you will, that strays from what society dictates as a “normal” college student. Whatever that is.
In typical Bryce fashion, he researched, polled, and went to great depths to figure out what beverage he would try first. He didn’t drink on his actual birthday, but waited until we took him to dinner. He invited a couple of his friends that are student athletic trainers as well. Now, my mind is terrible neighborhood. I can make up ridiculous stories that are blown out of proportion. I was fearful that he would gravitate toward the genetic tendencies of addiction. That one taste would be the catalyst.
He hated it. Both drinks he tried, he made horrible faces and was not impressed by the taste. Do I think he will try other things? Yes. But, I don’t believe that it will be his focus.
I appreciate his ability to stand by his own convictions. I admire his strength in doing what feels right for him versus following what the crowd is doing. It’s a beautiful sight to see your child bask in his own light while being surrounded by people who support and empower him. As a mother, it’s comforting and reassuring, but most of all, it makes me incredibly proud of the adult he is becoming.
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