A growing boy

 

Just finished a bridal this evening and was glancing through some test shots I took of my oldest son who has been assisting me lately on a few shoots.  He is really a great kid he's learning quickly what I need and why.  He claims he isn't interested in photography but I can see that he is learning to be a good worker.  At 12 he is a big boy, as big as his dad already.  People have always commented on his size and over the past few months I am beginning to see how my little man is truly not so little.  It is not just his size which makes me see this,  I have been truly blessed with a little boy who has always stood head and shoulders above other children in every way.  His 3rd grade teacher once said that at an age where every child was becoming self conscious and trying to fit in with the crowd Keaton was sure of who he was and didn't mind if that was different than everyone else. I still remember the tears in her eyes as she talked about him.  He has that kind of impact on you.   He has stayed true to himself and his beliefs in an era where children are faced with challenges I never dreamed possible when I was his age.  He as always been the perfect big brother kind and loving looking out for the little guy before himself.  I keep waiting for the days people talk about where their children get sulky and distance themselves from their family.  Keaton plays ball with his dad, grabs Gavin and tickles him just enough so he doesn't cry, plays Star Wars with Colby, follows his little cousins around like he was their soul protector and isn't afraid to cuddle up to his mom on the couch.  I really like this kid even if he is growing his hair out a little longer than I would like. He is fun to have around and I am grateful that he is mine.