I sit on my bed listening to the daily bounce of the basketball and the swish of the net coming from outside. For 15 years those basketball sounds have told me that my son was outside practicing his shots.

Many people warned me about how fast my kids would grow up. Up until now, I didn’t agree. I exhausted myself trying to be a good parent and as they grew up and needed me less and less I welcomed their increase in independence. It was a relief to be able to drop them off at the beach for a few hours, or take the dog for an early morning walk knowing they would be fine without me once they awoke. Or I could visit an out of town friend for a couple of days and not worry about putting a huge burden on my husband. Life was getting easier.

But something happened last week that finally made me agree that kids do grow up fast. My son turned 18.

He can vote. He can notify the high school when he is tardy or absent. He now has to see a non-pediatric doctor. To top it off, all of a sudden he is acting extremely mature! He is being so nice to us! He takes his sister to school without complaining! He helps make dinner and helps clean up! I do not miss the rebellious years by any means, but I realize that before I know it he will be gone.

To make matters worse (for me), all of that basketball practice paid off for him, because the same week he turned 18 he committed to a University on the East Coast to play basketball. He is so excited about his future, and cannot wait for college to begin next year. I am thrilled for him, and must continue to exude happiness and encouragement. We will both be facing times of transition. But I’ll sure miss those daily bounces and swishes.