[UUMom]

My oldest ds (18) , who is a Sr in high school had a few classmates over to make a b & w film for their history class. The did a great job, but what I noticed was how much they got done while having a wonderful time. They had to learn lines, film each other, and there were a million retakes etc. They were so patient with each other, and I so enjoyed how much and how deeply they laughed. I loved their laughter. What a gift to hear that. I loved everything about the afternoon, and even how happy a couple of frozen pizzas made them. :sigh:

 

[canadianchick]

<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"> Sounds like you have raised an awesome kid!

 

[RBinTEX]

I really, really, enjoy my older children. I see yours is 18. 18!!!!! My oldest is turning 15 next week, and it is bittersweet. I'm loving the house full of laughing teenagers. I enjoying his company soooo much now, but soon, his wings will be ready to fly.......

 

[Ersbett]

Oh yeah, don't you love it??<br>
DSD is 14, going on 15 this July.<br><br>
I love when she invites her friends over, becuase they will not stop laughing, actually DSD invited her best friend becuase I took them to the mall today. It was so much fun!!! Aww they make me feel young.

 

[nolonger]

Their laughter has such a magical affect on me. I was in such a funk when I got off of work last night (at midnight) but just hearing my "kids" (18 year old woman and her 21 year old boyfriend) at home and happy in their room was enough to completely turn my mood around.<br><br>
Sometimes I think it's downright pathetic the way my heart absolutely explodes with happiness just knowing that these two people exist, even though they certainly don't need me to wipe their noses, nurse them, rock them, read to them, drive them places, or do much of anything for them any more.<br><br>
On the day my daughter was born, I didn't think it was possible to feel a love that was greater than what i felt for that tiny six pounds of humanity.<br><br>
I was so very wrong.

 

[UUMom]

In some ways, I think the intensity I feel is greater than when he was an infant. It's been a privlege and an honor to parent him. The time flew by. (Ah yes, sometimes the days themselves are long...but the years are short).<br><br>
I feel really good about it. I squeaked out all the minutes I had. He's eager and ready to move on, and so every minute he is here, is a gift.<br><br>
People keep saying, 'Oh, they come back!" I only hope it's true. I so enjoy his company, and dh and I are going to miss him and his thoughtful commentary and sense of humor around the dinner table each night. Two of his sibs are already lamenting his going away to school!<br><br>
I keep telling them that they too will want to leave home. They can hardly believe that could be true! lol