No parent knows what their kid will be like once they get into a relationship.
I certainly didn’t.
I hoped my son Kyle would be respectful, but after a series of Jr. High texting relationships which lasted well into high school, I wasn’t sure if any girl would move pass the social media realm and penetrate his heart for more than a ten minute crush.
But I was wrong.
My son has been in a relationship with his girlfriend Grace for about four months. A few weeks ago they made it official and now they even have their own Instagram hashtag–#Gryle
This is serious people.
Now, my poor son has been the recipient of years of dating advice from his parents. It’s what we write, speak and blog about. And Kyle could probably regurgitate our shtick back to us in his sleep.
But I never knew if he truly listened—I mean really heard us—and internalized our message on dating differently.
Fortunately, I have been surprised on a million levels.
First of all, Kyle picked well. Grace is not only lovely on the outside but on the inside as well. She is intelligent, light-hearted, and family oriented. She loves God, respects people and is a fiercely competitive athlete—something they both share. She’s nice to animals, little sisters and mothers and I think this bodes well for her future.
And I really love her mom to boot. Could it get any better?
Kyle and Grace have boundaries around school, sports and their own pursuits. They encourage one another and push each other to excel. It’s bizarrely mature. And although they text each other it’s not an all day affair. It’s after the home work is put away and the workouts are done, or a quick shout-out on the way home from school.
(I counsel thirty-five year olds who haven’t figured this out yet)
Next, Kyle treats Grace like gold. He cherishes her and respects her. He is interested in her well-being on all levels—not just making out and hanging out (although they do those things a lot too). But, Kyle cares about her as a person and not as a thing. And Grace reciprocates. It is mutual affection based on respect and appreciation.
And here is where I am deeply humbled.
Was I a part of this? I know it’s a culmination of dad and mom and step-parents and mentors, but in a world where men treat women like objects, my son, despite being assaulted by porn and Victoria’s Secret and the onslaught of an over-sexualized culture is choosing to be different.
I know he will make many mistakes going forward (on top of those in the past) but watching him treat a woman with dignity makes my heart soar!
Especially because at that age I let men treat me badly. I didn’t understand I was worth more. My son’s behavior is redemptive for me as a woman and I thank God for his grace and mercy.
(Now we just have to make sure Faith and Kolby don’t carouse with douche-bags who treat them poorly)
The biggest issue I have is that this whole experience is so wonderful I don’t want it to ever end.
I’ll dream and pray none the less—maybe high school sweethearts can still make it in our crazy world?
–Samantha
Just as an update on my parents and a BIG THANKS to all who are praying. My mom is on hospice now at home. She has stopped chemo and all treatment for her pancreatic cancer. We are enjoying the time she has left and pouring out our love on her in abundance. Most of my days are now spent at their home in La Quinta trying to capture her smile and elegance and etch it into my memory forever. My step-dad is doing a beautiful job of caring for her, along with family and friends, and hospice is a God-send.
My dad is at a secure Alzheimer’s facility in Beaumont. He is recovering from three surgeries after he jumped off a ten-foot balcony at Christmas from paranoia due to his brain disease. Mentally, he is pretty much gone and it’s heart-breaking. He thought my step-mom was Santa the other day. Physically, he is still having some complications from the broken back, compound fracture of the tibia and fibula and shattered ankle. The pin has come loose from the ankle and the hole from the pin is infected. Please pray for healing and comfort as we journey down this very difficult road with him. I miss him desperately!
