Who is this kid?

So a month ago I sent my sweet boy off on an adventure with my parents to Idaho.  Its so hard to let him go and miss an entire month of his life.  Last night I very anxiously awaited his return ..... the strangest thing happened though..... my parents pulled in the driveway and out emerged this "pre-man".  I embraced him and it felt a little awkward.  Who is this kid?  I had missed an entire month of him.  I realized something so incredible had happened that month.  Parker had an opportunity to be the "man" we are teaching him to be.  Of course he was with my parents but they really try to allow him to be "grown-up" when he is with them.  He pays for his own things, he is responsible for all his things, including his schooling, he is responsible for the consequences of his choices.... Parker decided to buy a bunch of candy and eat it in one sitting ..... oh, consequences of a horrible stomach ache.  It dawned on me of what a gift this was. I anticipated the blessings of him getting to go be in the forest and getting away from the chaos of Southern California.  I anticipated the blessing for him having an adventure but I didn't think about the blessing of him getting to go out and try "being a man".  He made some mistakes and we had some great conversations about those mistakes.  He was in some situations that were new and we had great conversations about those.  It was beautiful to see that all our efforts in teaching and guiding him are bringing desired results.  We are raising a great "little man".  I so look forward to the continued conversations that will result from this adventure. It is so fun watching him strive towards independence.  I am so thankful for this time for him to practice being a man in a safe environment.  I am so so so thankful that my "preman" is home!