Some moments hit you out of nowhere, in the most unexpected ways. This morning, as I prepared for the usual walk to work, my son paused to make sure I was bundled up and had the right boots to avoid slipping on the ice. His thoughtfulness struck me—here was my boy, who used to need me for everything, now looking out for my well-being as though the roles were reversing.

It’s a simple gesture, but it feels like a glimpse into the man he’s becoming. He’s not only attentive to me but also to others around him. His natural kindness, the way he looks out for people, makes me so incredibly proud. He’s interning with a nonprofit now, working to ensure resources are available for those who need them most. Every day, I see him becoming more compassionate, more independent, more…himself.

And while this transformation makes my heart swell with pride, there’s a bittersweetness to it. As he becomes his own person, I see him moving further into his world—one where he stands tall on his own. It’s a beautiful, inevitable shift, but one that makes me smile and yet feel a tinge of sadness. The little boy I used to guide is now guiding me, and soon enough, he’ll be guiding others even more.

I couldn’t be prouder of who he is and who he’s becoming, but that little ache reminds me how fleeting it all is—how fast they grow, how quickly they become who they’re meant to be.

And I couldn’t ask for a better son.