The St. Ives ring.

Well, it finally came in. My son's high school ring arrived yesterday. I remember when he came home with the order sheet, at the beginning of school. So many to chose from. So many different styles now, than when I was in school. Anyway, after a day or so, he had come to a final decision. He chose the St. Ives style with his brithstone in the middle and football designs on the side. I gave him a deposit to order the ring and he filled out the paperwork. When he came home from school yesterday, he could not wait to show us his ring. I admit it really is nice looking. Hard to believe he is old enough to wear a high school ring. He shows me the inside of his ring. His full name is engraved. He really likes this aspect of his ring. His long, slender fingers seem much older now as I see the new piece of jewelry on his right hand. I am proud for him. I am proud that he picked it all out. He designed his own ring, not me, not his father. As I am telling him how much I like how it looks, he replies, "mom I am really good at picking out this big stuff. I know what looks good." I agree as I leave his room. I see a growth in confidence. I see his pride in his choice. Young people love it when we have confidence in them because of their good choices and it is so important as a parent that we never forget to say it out loud to affirm them. Something as simple as choosing a high school ring can be used to grow them into adulthood as we parents learn to step into an advisory position rather than a controlling position. Oh, and by the way, he chose the St. Ives ring because "he liked the name," as well as the ring. I would have never thought of that.