Senior pictures bring home flood of memories

There’s nothing that puts me in touch with my own mortality quite as quickly as watching my son grow up.

The baby boy that once fit neatly in the crook of my arm now looks down at me when we stand toe-totoe. While wearing a bigger shoe size. With more hair.

I might have the heart of a young man, but I have the body of an old one — and it’s a fact that is brought home when I see my son do grown-up things like trying to grow a beard.

I’ve gotten used to this phenomenon, but even that acceptance didn’t prepare me for the return of his senior pictures.

It was an envelope of emotions. There was happiness that we’ve finally taught him how to smile in his poses. There was some angst when we looked at the price list. But most of all, there was pride.

Somewhere in the middle of the pack were his cap and gown pictures. And it all hit me at once.

The day “experts” told us that he may never speak, read or write. The day we found out he had autism. And every day since that he’s worked hard to be the best young man he can be.

It’s been an amazing journey, and even though it makes me feel older and older all the time, I’m happy to be a part of it. Now, if he’ll just stop stealing my hats.