The True Vyne

It's happened. Suddenly I am the mother of a teenager. Peace turns 13 today. I'm not quite in for the "I need a cell phone, have a girlfriend, and can't wait till I drive" type teen, because this particular teenager is still a boy in many ways, including the sweet and thoughtful ways. I think Buck and I will plan a manhood passage ceremony of some kind next year, because it just doesn't feel like he's ready yet. The most teenagery thing about Peace is the beginning of pimples around his nose, that bigger than a boy smell, and the occasional negative thinking aloud.

Peace rocked my world when he was born and could not be comforted. Until he could walk at fourteen months, he cried constantly. People asked me, "What is wrong with your baby? Shouldn't you just take him home?" And I would have except for the fact that I needed groceries. When he began to walk, his whole personality transformed into a happy child.

So much for the rough start, because now he is a delight. Peace has the rare gift of compassion, and it is amazing to watch him reach out to the unloved and unlovely. He observes nature and cares deeply for all creation. He truly understands awe and wonder.