Epilogue: Raising a Son

To my dear Grant aka Granto,

When you were a little rambunctious, rough-and-tumble boy, I would always laugh and tell people my hope was to get you to eighteen years old and off to college alive.  Well, my wish was granted....here we are.

This blog is dedicated to you, sweetheart.  It's been wonderful to look back and reminisce on your early years. 

The other day I was reflecting on your almost eighteen years of life.  Some of the most memorable moments were when you were little and we'd get ready for bed and play the "five reasons I love you game," watching all of your games from the sidelines with the other team parents, getting phone calls from school, "Hello Mrs. Garrity, Grant is fine but I'd like to speak to you.....," watching you play with your big sister and mimic her every move, how you called her Muh-muh for so long, the "apparatus" Dr. Okmin had to put in your mouth, when you and D-boy got together to play; there are just so many fond memories.


It has been a two-way street with both of us living and learning together.  I have learned so much from you, and hopefully, you have learned from me.  I learned the value of  patience.  The importance of independence with boundaries.  How to be more forgiving.  Though difficult, allowing failure and consequences.  The importance of keeping it short (hard for me to do) and speaking bluntly.  What it truly means to love, unconditionally. 

Your choice for college is perfect.  I know you will thrive in this environment and find your passion and path.  All I ask is that you remain inquisitive and study hard. School always comes first and much fun to follow.  It is important to take good care of your health (stop rolling your eyes).  I know you will continue with athletics-it is a natural outlet for you. Try to eat well and get enough rest.  Remember dad and I are only a phone call, text or short flight/drive away.

Love you always and forever,

Mom




Photo above of mom and Grant before senior prom.









 

A Letter from Dad

Dear Grant,

The moment has arrived after your long journey through adolescence.  You will leave home to attend college. I am very proud of your accomplishments up to this point in time. Although you may feel that your life up to now has been somewhat complex, college life can be intense, challenging but overall a fun experience. Enjoy every day as these are the times to expand your horizons and search for those opportunities that will fulfill your passions and desires to reach your educational goals.

The times we have spent together as a family and those special singular moments hanging out will always be etched upon my mind. Our vacations to Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Estero Beach, Yosemite, Las Vegas, Big Bear and our cruise to Mexico have all been epic memories for me. Engaging in water and snow skiing, wake boarding, fishing, scuba diving, camping and golfing (especially when you witnessed my hole-in-one)….these were the BEST of times, especially doing it as a family.

 I cherish those times I coached the sports that you had excelled in and my favorite times were watching you play baseball up through your senior year at High Tech High. I hope you keep the passion and desire to play into your college years, even if it is club or intramural play. You have that athletic gift to pick up sports very quickly. That being said, let’s get you out on the fairways more often and play more golf together.

Grant, you are a beautiful and handsome young man. You are very inquisitive, creative, bright, passionate and goal-oriented. Having chosen a tough major is quite impressive and I hope you fulfill your dreams in this field. What teenager works three jobs during the summer months after high school? Now that’s tenacity and understanding the work ethic.

As a parent, you become more emotional, but elated when your child graduates from high school and elevating to the next level of education. I am saddened knowing that the home departure has arrived, but all for good reasons. Your mother and I have tried to guide and develop you in all the right ways when it comes to family values to build character. I hope we have been successful in shaping and influencing you to be a better individual. We feel you have shown and demonstrated these values when we receive positive compliments from friends and neighbors.

I feel you will do very well in life and your college years are a stepping stone to what is ahead of you and what can be accomplished. I realize that you will be taking on more responsibilities and making more choices and decisions so I recommend to follow your intuition and your heart to guide you. Your mother and I will always be there for you when needed.

Study hard and set good examples, be happy at what you do, but most importantly have fun and make good friends as they will be your support system while in school. As I would always say when I  dropped you and your sister off at school…. "Be a leader, not a follower”. Now, “Go clean your room!"

I wish you the best of luck and I will always love you!

Dad

Photo above of dad and baby Grant in Lake Tahoe

Good Luck Brother

 Dear Grant,

            You finally made it through high school, now get ready to live a life without chores, nagging, or work, so be excited. I remember all those times I dressed you up in dresses, broke your thumb, and played Hot Wheels with you around our whole house.  I also remember how we sometimes misbehaved on purpose with our babysitters. Even though we still argue a lot I think we’ll be closer now that we are both in college. I’ll have to visit you and you’ll have to visit me (because I know we have different spring breaks).  I hope your roommate isn’t weird but I know for a fact you will have so much fun and your life will change when you move away. I’m sure you’ll do well your first year because I know you’re smart and will make good decisions. You better Skype me.

Love you,

-Samantha aka Muh-Muh

Photo above of sister and brother