Tail Lights

Yesterday my son Cole turned 16 years old. I can't believe it. It seems like only YESTERDAY that I was in hard labor, making no progress, when Cole's heart rate plummeted and the decision was made that I would have an emergency C-section. So, at 5:45 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 1993, in Sedalia, Missouri, Cole Henley Griffith was born. He weighed 8 pounds 2.6 ounces, and was the most beautiful baby boy I had ever seen . . . and he still is. That's one reason it was so hard to watch this sight this morning.



The sight of tail lights driving down our driveway. The sight of my two babies, in a vehicle, without me, heading to school.

Dad always told me that the first time I watched the tail lights of Cole's vehicle drive down the driveway, that was the day I would know what being a parent really was. Well, today, I know exactly what my dad meant.

I am excited for Cole, of course. He is a good driver, and a very responsible kid, and I couldn't be more proud of him and for him. I remember getting my driver's license and how thrilling it was to actually get to go somewhere BY MYSELF.

But today, as I watched the two most precious things in my life drive off without me, all I could think of was how very much I love them and want to protect them. And, while I'm still the same parent I was yesterday, today, my heart is just a little bit heavier knowing that my son is driving. I love you Cole. May God bless you and Alex and keep you safe everywhere you go.