My Diamond in the Rough

I think I was 15 the first time I ever heard this phrase, "diamond in the rough". I was watching the movie Aladdin. I have an uncanny abilility to remember details with alarming accuracy -- just ask my husband! LOL! It's not one of those phrases that just rolls into conversation on a regular basis, so in case you're not familiar with it, it means "a valuable find in an unexpected location".


Last weekend we took the kids to Primetime again to celebrate the end of a great summer.  We had a great time as always, but I had an unexpected surprise and an extra special memory I'll always treasure on this particular day.  You see, Colby, our oldest, is about to turn 8... which in today's world translates to "pre teen".  Technically you'd think it'd be impossible for that to be true, but it seems kids are doing everything faster these days.  And the harder I try to hit the brakes, the more out-of-control and out of my "comfort zone" I feel.  So, if I can't stop time, the only thing left to do is ride "shot gun" to his life and take deep breaths! LOL!

Now when I say "pre teen" I just mean that MY "cool factor" is quickly fading.  Yes, on a rare occasion he'll hold my hand or climb in my lap, but for the most part... my baby boy is turning into a young man.  There are so many precious praises that come along with watching him grow up, but as I've mentioned before, the one I'm not enjoying so much is letting go.  Second to that is the changing role that I'm having to play in his life.  I've quickly learned that this stage is not so much about being a buddy or friend but more like parole officer.  The other truth I've come across is the more I think on HIS level, the easier it is for me to understand him.  It's SO much less frustrating and hey, it's actually pretty fun every once in a while!  I'd forgotten how fun being almost 8 can be!  LOL!!  However, nauturally we've butt heads a few times, and this past week was worse than most.  Nothing terrible of course, it's just "that issue" of when I ask for something, instead of doing it, he usually feels the need to comment and/or give his opinion of who or what should be done instead.  I try to be thankful he feels comfortable enough to voice his "opinion", but seriously.... enough is enough!  Ugh!  Needless to say we'd been a little on the "outs" as this momma doesn't tolerate attitude or unwanted commentary well, and various forms of restrictions had followed. 

Anyway, so while we were at Primetime he won a bunch of tickets playing on the arcade games.  Due to his new found "independence" he cashed them in on his own and was quite secretive about what he had purchased.  (Jarred & I were occupied helping the girls "shop" with their tickets. LOL!) Honestly I wasn't concerned.... but I was intrigued.  This was one of those times I chose to respect his privacy... afterall the stakes were pretty low.  When we got home he finally asked me, "Mom, aren't you going to MAKE me tell you what I got with my tickets???"  I told him I would love to know, but he spent the tickets he earned and if he wanted me to know I was going to wait for him to tell me. 

And there it was... outstretched in his small hand, my diamond in the rough - literally!  He had bought me a "diamond" ring that was practically identical to my real wedding ring.  He came, put his arm around me and said, "Now you have one from Daddy and one from me!"  I was speechless!  This coming from a kid that loves and practically covets every plastic trinket, sticker, and bouncy ball he's ever owned!  He'd spent his whole "earnings" on something for me!  And after a week where we'd done everything BUT get along.  It brought tears to my eyes because I knew the sacrifice he'd made in his heart.  I was so thankful he made me laugh when he asked,  "So, which one is your favorite?  Mine or Daddy's?  The one I got you is bigger!"  LOL!  

He was so proud and so was I.  I am so thankful he knows that even though I may not always agree with him, allow him to do whatever his heart desires, and even punish him sometimes ... I'll ALWAYS love him!  He has asked me every day ever since which ring I'm going to wear.  It's so cute! 

The formation of a diamond requires very specific conditions, but the result is a precious gem, full of color, priceless value, and one of the strongest materials known to man.  In fact the word diamond comes from the Greek word "adámas", meaning unbreakable.   (In case you were wondering... No, I didn't just pull that off the top of my head - I heart Google! LOL!)   Much like the diamond, my relationship with Colby requires specific conditions - unconditional love and forgiveness being the forefront of that for BOTH of us, but the result has been a precious gem, full of color.  It's priceless!!!  And we have a bond that is absolutely unbreakable!  I look forward to polishing our relationship daily, and seeing it shine brighter and brighter as the years go by!