The age of 16 is significant in our culture. It represents an intermediate step, or "pre-passage" if you will, into adulthood. In the State of California it's at this age that you're legally permitted to drive an automobile, provided you can demonstrate competence of course. Yesterday marked this chronological milestone for Barret, who at around 7:30 or so last night officially turned 16. Without a doubt driving is the most single-minded objective he wants to achieve at this age. He's been working diligently on improving his skills, logging in almost 50 hours of training behind the wheel. Slowly but surely he's managed to reduce Mom and Dad's anxiety level from what began at constant "red-zone" peak limits to now just brief moments of fright and terror as we ride "shotgun" periodically shoving our right foot almost through the floorboards with full strength and a stiff boarded straight leg.
Last night we celebrated his birthday
with a special dinner on the Oakland waterfront. The restaurant table had a wonderful view. He was joined by all in the family except the little ankle-biters who we left with a neighbor baby-sitter (we figured it was the only way to have a peaceful meal with any focused conversation). Austin also brought his girlfriend, Meagan, who we picked up at the airport on the way there after the two of them just returned from an extra long weekend in Colorado. We appropriately embarrassed Barret with colorful and bright balloons, stories about his unique birth (which we won't go into here), gifts, and just being weird like only families can be in their own special way. We even made Barret carry the balloons back to the car, passing dozens of people along the way, which can be pretty dang embarrassing for a fresh 16 year old. He was a pretty good sport about it all, I must say.
We're proud of Barret. He's virtually a straight "A" student, (works very hard to get those grades mind you), thoroughly enjoys playing the guitar (and is getting quite adept at it I might add), loves his family and those two little China cherubs that now grace our home. Most of all, on the way to the restaurant last night I asked Barret as he sat behind the wheel how turning 16 was going to change his life. He responded by saying, "Well, I really want to be more mature with my life and my walk with the Lord." That was his birthday gift to us.Warmly in Christ,
Tom (& Victoria)
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