Conversation with a Teenager

(Am I old enough to have a teenager?)





I knew this day was coming. I just knew it. And yet here I sit, totally unprepared. In shock, if you will.



“Mom, how old was Dad when he started dating?”


Oh no. Please don't ask me one of THOSE questions. One of THOSE questions that really do belong to Dad. Nearly 10 years after his death, THOSE questions can still be difficult.



“I have no idea, Jona – I met your Dad in college”



“Well, how old were you when you started dating?”



Silence. Not sure I want to answer this. Wait! I know! I’ll try this:



“And why do you want to know?”



Uh-oh. Silence in return. Hmmm. Badly played. But then:



“I want to ask Kelsey to the Homecoming Dance”



Wow. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears. Loudly.



“Mom?”



“Yes, Jona?”



“Did you hear me?”



“Yes Jona”



“And?”



Really? I am gripped by panic. There’s no way we can afford the Homecoming Dance. But I hear myself saying:



“I’m sure we can figure something out”



Silence. And then:



“I love you Mom”



“I love you too Jona”


Still sitting here. In shock. In silence.

Still not old enough to have a teenager.

Certainly not one who dates.

Right?