In general, the process of growing up happens so gradually that we barely notice, until a picture or a memory reminds us of how much has changed between what was and what is. But every so often a real-time moment occurs and the reality of life’s inevitabilities smacks you in the face so hard that you can barely catch your breath.

It’s not just the birthdays or the passing of the school years. Sometimes it’s buried in the everyday.

Like when he comes down looking like he grew inches while he slept.

Or walking onto the 90 foot baseball field for the first time and pitching spectacularly.

Or just the way that he walks away so big and so confident.

And when all three of these things happen in one day? Oh my.

Sometimes I think growing up is harder as the parent than it was as the child.