She lives in the Northwest (Seattle), and is visiting for a couple of weeks. "She's 10, really tall, has braces AND a spacer," according to Finn. I knew this day was coming. My son would meet someone who made him feel kind of all weird inside, but a good weird, and just like that, he would cross over. You can't prepare for this no matter how hard you try. Another bittersweet moment in the growth of your not little anymore-one, but so much more sweet to this dad.
I hope I am ready for what I anticipate to be a steady battery of questions and opportunities for "advice" that isn't too heavy handed or absolute (let's face it, what do I know?) The sudden interest and need for various grooming products. ("That's not the kind I wear, dad." or worse yet "Hey Finn, my Issey Miyake seems to be evaporating, know anything about that?") The urgency of all sorts of new things. I can't wait. Really. Honestly. I remember, several hundred years ago, when I too had that buzz in my head and my chest. It was wonderful and terrifying, but by far it was more wonderful.
I don't worry too much about Finn. He's raised by a village, or a tribe, or whatever and I think he's being raised right. I know he will be a true gentleman and I know he will treat the object of his affection with the utmost respect. I am also pretty sure that humor will play a large part in his courtships. I hope so. Perhaps, at the age of 10, I am putting far too much cart in front of his horse. I should just relax a bit. Let nature take its course. Chill out a bit.
I'll be accepting resumes from his perspective prom dates starting in January.
