Not-so-sweet Sixteen

I'm feeling older and older as I celebrate my kids' birthdays each year.

Today is Carly's sweet sixteenth. Ooops, I swear not to call him 'Carly' here on my blog starting today. Ever. Some of his classmates at Philippine Science somehow excavated my musings, and they have been teasing him ever since. Okay, Carly, babes, Luis. I don't want you to be embarrassed by your old mom anymore. Now, that you've turned that age when you are legally allowed to drive in the U.S. but not in the Philippines, I would be respecting you as an adult--that is, when you are in front of your friends. But please don't bank on this promise when you are home. Old habits die hard with me and your Manang Issa.

Yesterday, when I went to PhilSci for card-giving, I got the chance to meet three of Luis' girl friends, er, friends who are girls (how does one call a girl/boy friend who is not a real girl friend and boy friend?). I had been pestering Luis to invite them for lunch or snacks, but he had always strongly opposed to the idea. Today though, he couldn't say no to me because his grades were not good enough for his mom to brag on FB (haha). I was glad to have chatted with these nice, smart, and pretty young girls over some Frappuccinos. (Shhh. It's also a mother's secret way of finding out what her son is really doing miles away behind her back!) 

Carmela, Kay, Julia, and their newly adopted Tita Bing

Parenting Luis has been a roller coaster ride ever since he became a semi-indie in Iloilo. I don't want to spill all the details here. TMI, I guess. Let me just say that in every lowest point in his struggle as a teenager that he experiences, he would always vow to himself not to make the same mistakes again. And that is, I think, what matters the most. So that's why his Dad and I are still here to push him up whenever he falls down. 

Happy birthday, Luis, my youngest.

I wonder when I will ever realize you are not THAT young anymore.