Milestones for Teen Part of Life's Canvas

Writing this column is fun because I get to tell you all about my children and their misadventures. In a way my columns make the diary I've always felt I should keep but never have.
Recently, the kids went through some of my old columns that were written when the big kids were little kids and the other five were still waiting in the wings. We had fun reminiscing.
In the past few months I have had two experiences, one with Patrick, who is 16, and the other with Colleen, 14. If those experiences are left untold, the picture of my life painted by my columns would not be a complete canvas. My two oldest more
clearly defined themselves in two very different situations, and I
was challenged to grow and redefine myself as a mother.
In September and October, Colleen played the role of Jennie Mae Laymen in the Omaha Community Playhouse's production of "The Diviners." In late November, Patrick flew his solo flight and obtained his student pilot's license. Both of these are fabulous accomplishments. I hope you think it is okay to say this even if I am their mother.
I told everyone during the run of "The Diviners" that it was an outstanding play, rich in language and warm with friendship and humor. It would have been that even if Colleen was not a part of it. But because she was in it, the play was even more special.
Seeing my daughter perform on the stage in a dramatic and beautiful role was an emotional experience. Colleen knows she doesn't need to be on the stage to elicit love, praise, and affection from her parents - I love her even when she leaves the house wearing long underwear hanging out of the boxer shorts - although we certainly glopped it on her, We couldn't help it; I was like a glass sitting under an open spigot of Coca-Cola syrup and carbonated water. I was gushing and bubbling over.
I realized she was doing something I have never done and probably could never do. Colleen became her own person through her own doing. It felt good to see that. Apparently, acting is her love just as flying appears to be Patrick's. He began taking flying lessons when he was twelve, using our money and money he earned mowing lawns to pay for them. This fall, when he turned 16, he became eligible for a student license. He took a ground school class in addition to his flying lessons, had his physical exam and then he was ready for his solo voyage.
I wasn't sure I was quite as ready, but there was nothing I could do about it. Eventually, I knew my hand-wringing had to stop and I had to let him take flight - literally - from my runway.
On the appointed day we all went, carrying a camera and camcorder to the airport, Later, Patrick said that from the air it looked like a huge crowd standing on the ground looking up. I thought the same thing, although it was just his parents, and seven younger brothers and sisters. The question that went through my mind - along with several Hail Marys - was what course are the rest of these people going to chart?
As John and I stood watching Patrick make his takeoff, bank to the left and then direct the plane on its course high in the sky, we were thrilled and proud of him. I also experienced a rush of emotion that ranged from remembering when he was born (that one always surfaces at times like this) to absolute terror, which caused Maureen to comment, "Are you going to start crying now like you did at Coleen's play?"
I would have cried, except the tears would have clouded my vision and I didn't want to take my eyes off the plane.
Since that day, Patrick has flown solo again. He said he flew over the house. I was excited to hear this even though the idea gives me the willies.
December 28, 1988