It's okay to be nervous - surround yourself with your team and it will be fine!

I raised an independent kid.  I don't think it was intentional on my part, just the way it worked as my parents raised a very independent kid - it really makes sense.

This morning, he met the Jesuit Varsity basketball team for a road trip to CA.   I chose not to go as he needs to get out on his own with his team and build the bond that will last the season.  And, he needs time to be him - right?  Right.  Now, senior year?  I think I shall go as the coaches put it "A vacation for the parents with a game or two thrown in."  Sounds like fun to me.

As I was standing there this morning, watching all the boys in their uniform warm ups talking to each other, I observed some funny moments...

• Teenage boys pack as much as teenage girls and call clothes 'outfits'.  At least some of them do - to which the adults had a good laugh.  Where do they think they are going?
• They act so much cooler than they are (yup still little boys inside.)  I posted that they asked if people thought they looked intimidating all together as a team in their warm ups and the coach reminded them that no they don't.  But the minute the strangers were gone, and they forgot they weren't just a bunch of cool guys sitting around, they started talking about hornets and how they do not cry.  No, they had sunscreen in their eyes and that was why it appeared they got upset.  They all laughed at this in that way that you know they were all thinking- "Oh hell yes that hurt, we cried!"
• They aren't as secure as they want you to believe.  The thought of sitting by themselves on an airplane? Not something any of them wanted to deal with.
• They want each other to succeed.  "Who has Spanish this year and again next year?"  "Oh dude, you are helping all of us out."  "Alright - it'll happen."
• Nervous chatter.  Also something not reserved just for girls.
• They still want to be touched.  Each one of them stayed close to mom/dad and hugged them as they left.  Kiddo is NOT an affection for Mom in public guy, but he hugged me (and even said he loved me - awwww)

I know I saw more things, and had a great laugh or 6 this morning, but that is what I remember most.  None of which is really a surprise if you have a boy or boys in your house or life.

It is just one of many amazing opportunities the kiddo will have in his life and has had with Jesuit so far (in his short 1.5 years to date) and I couldn't be happier for him.  I can't help but remember the little nervous habits he exhibited this morning that no one but mom might recognize, and I liked seeing them. It was just a reminder that he still my kiddo, in a bigger body & more mature, but deep down, still mine and not as brave he wants the world to think.  These boys all had them I am sure, but didn't want to share that news with the world, after all, they are the coolest in the world.

That got me thinking, no matter how old we get (yes, we get older and mature - sometimes), it is okay to be nervous even if we don't show it to the world.  New experiences make people nervous, and that is okay!  Just be sure to be around people you trust - your team so to speak - and it will be one more day in a great adventure.

Have a GREAT adventure boys - we are so proud of you!

GO RANGERS!