Wednesday, May 27, 2009

They Do Grow Up


My 16 year old grandson, Nate, has lived with us for the past 4 1/2 years. When he came to live here he was a little brat and we've had the privilege of watching him grow into a fine young man. Last Saturday he went on a first date. A friend (not a girlfriend) from a high school in a neighboring town invited him to her Junior prom. As Nate is home schooled this was a good opportunity for him to attend one. He'd also been pestering me to get him a suit for church but I wanted to wait as long as possible since he's still growing, so I'm sure this was a good reason to talk me into one.

DH and I gave him instructions on proper dating etiquette. You know, things like "When you pick her up get out of the car and go to the door", "Shake her father's hand and ask 'What time would you like your daughter home, sir'", "Make sure you open the door for her", "When you drop her off walk her to her door". Things like that. I told him that proms are for the girl and it's up to the boy, as her escort, to make sure she has a wonderful and memorable evening. We actually had some jokes about what the date from h... would be like. Sitting in the driveway honking the horn, parking where there's a puddle on the passenger's side, getting out of the car and walking into the prom without escorting her, asking her "Are you thirsty? Want some punch?" and when she says yes, saying "Good. Get me some while your at it", dancing with all the other girls, saying "Whoa. Look at how hot SHE is. Wish SHE'D asked me to the prom!", when you take her home just slow down enough so she can jump out of the car. Yup, that would be the date from there alright!

When prom night came he showered, shaved, dressed, asked me at the last minute, while I was pressing his shirt, to trim his hair. I'd been after him for weeks to get a haircut and now he wants me to do this just an hour before he's supposed to leave? NO WAY! So scruffy hair and all, he went to pick up his date, then drove back here for pictures. He looked so handsome and grown up it brought tears to my eyes. When he opened the car door for her he looked natural, like he's been doing this for years. I understand she told him she thought she had the best date there. Makes us proud! Yup, they do grow up.

15 comments:

Andrea said...

You've got a fine young man there. Well done!

Tonia said...

Ahhh What a sweetie!! They are so cute!

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

He looks very handsome and his friend is very pretty. I hope they had a wonderful time.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Anonymous said...

WHAT A HANDSOME DUDE. IT WON'T BE LONG, GRAM BEFORE THE GRAY HAIRS START COMING IN . DON'T THINK YOU HAVE MUCH TO WORRY ABOUT THOUGH , HE IS A GREAT KID. LEAVING FOR S.DAKOTA NEXT MONDAY, STILL PLANNING ON LUNCH. DON'T FORGET ME!!!!!! BEV

Anonymous said...

OMG.......Sandy.....??????? ..........the last time I saw him he was picking his nose and running around your house like a banshee!!!! LOL He has really grown up.....he's awesome. I will have to come over to see it isn't a figment of my imag.

Shelley said...

Great job on raising a fine nephew!! Hope they had a great time!!

Anonymous said...

hi, tell nate he looks very handsome.... carol

Anonymous said...

Great Job with him. You have a fine young man on your hands, and gentlemen. I bet it was exciting to hear she had a great time. :)

grammy said...

What a fun experience. It has been awhile... but seems not that long ago. It does go by fast. Glad it was a good experience for him.

Melanie said...

What a Gent! & lovely lady. Cute couple-any future dates????

Just as Friends of course...

Thankfully I don't think I ever had any of those dates from h...

I liked the puddle and the drop off! LOL:)
Do the flyby and the puddle drop, honking as you go??

Unknown said...

Nate you are a handsome devil. You and your date look real nice. I hope you took most of your grandma's advice...but not all of it. I do believe the prom is one date that the two of you will remember for a very long time. Enjoy.

Anonymous said...

Nice job Nate!! You better be nicer to her then you are to me.LOL. Get a haircut. Next time ask in advance. LOL. C ya soon bro

Anonymous said...

These are the moments in our lives, so fleeting, that we wish we could crystallize and pop them into one of those snow globes, to shake and gaze at forever. Nate is great and so is his date. I hope they have the opportunity to enjoy more fun times together.

Anonymous said...

I'd like the chocolate! Nice looking pair. I heard round about from her that she had the best time. Way to go, Nate!
(PS. Push Michael to get a date next time....)

Anonymous said...

Nate,

way to go man! lookin sharp! Listen to grandma, I was coached similarly and found the girl of my dreams. best of luck to you!

phil