Yuri Turned 14

It’s hard to fathom that I’m a grandmother to a 14-year-old. Yep, that just happened on 10/29/2021. Yuri, my first-born grandson is now officially a teenager. The emotions that stir up in me, are mixed. My first thought is how can that be possible? Where did the time go? Can’t we turn back the clock and get a chance to do a few things that somehow eluded us? That trip to Disneyland, the beach, Knotts Berry Farm, road trips to various places with lots of snacks and stops along the way. Okay, I realize he’s only 14 and we still have time, however, people keep telling me that if I don’t do these things soon, he won’t want to hang out with me any longer. What?? Are you kidding?? That kid adores me! We love hanging out together. Trying new burger joints, new milkshakes that we can dip our fries into, and sitting on the misted patio at Two Hippies Taco Joint enjoying the best fish tacos EVER while it’s 110 degrees out. We talk, we laugh, we talk some more and we are perfectly comfortable in the silence.

Being 14 is just plain awkward. Anyone over 30 knows that’s true! Don’t deny it. The smells, the facial changes, voice changes, the smells (again)! The new bombardment of questions from us to him…Did you take a shower? Did you use soap? What about the deodorant I bought you…have you put any on today? Here’s a new face cleansing regimen that you need to follow. Twice a day! Quit eating greasy foods; quit picking your face; and PLEASE for the love of everyone who lives in the same house…air out your room!! Do your laundry!! Here’s Fabreeze. My heart goes out to him!

I’m sure every parent and grandparent of a young teen has gone through this. It’s growing pains, but he’s a champ and he’s learning.

I couldn’t be prouder of him…He’s smart, kind, funny, a bit of a procrastinator (but that runs in the family so not surprising), he’s going from cute to handsome way too quickly for me. He’s a gentleman and never forgets to hold the door for me. He’s not afraid to give his opinion if asked and can hold his own in a debate on various topics. His grades in school are good. A few A’s mostly B’s and one C+. Math used to be something he loved and was always in advanced classes. Something changed in 6th grade. I think between his mom and dad’s divorce and covid and doing school from home, that entire 7th grade was a mess. Not just for him, but for so many students. I feel like they should have made all the kids take it over again when they finally went back to the classroom this year. It was tough. Our kids took the brunt of all of the mandates and decisions that came down the pipeline. More kids are in therapy and depressed than ever before. More suicides, more juvenile delinquency issues, and on and on. People blame the Pandemic, well I blame the fear that adults perpetrated out into the atmosphere, and the results have been devastating.

Anyway, back to my grandson! He plays the violin and has a concert coming up next week that I’m super excited about. He plays the piano, and I can’t help but smile every time I watch him. He goes to a performing arts school. Arizona School for the Arts. It’s also a college preparatory school, so the academics are intense. He started in 5th grade, so this will be his 4th year attending. ASA (Arizona School for the Arts) starts at 5th grade and goes through 12th. Other than last year (which we fondly refer to as the year from Covid Hell) he has done very well academically. Like I said, I couldn’t be prouder. He’s been through a lot over the last two years emotionally and yet he’s a warrior and a survivor.

This Nana’s heart smiles from ear to ear when I see him walk into church and sit down beside me and his GG (Great-grandma Barker). Watching him open his Bible to the scriptures that our pastor uses throughout the sermon on Sunday, and hearing him sing the worship songs, and clap his hands, is a joy that will never get old. My greatest prayer is that he continues to love the Lord and learn about Him by reading the Bible and praying. Having a one on one relationship with Jesus is the most important thing he will ever do. As much as Yuri is loved by family and friends, no one will ever love him, protect him, comfort him, and provide for him, like the Lord.

I can’t wait to see what God has in store for Yuri in the upcoming years. I believe it will be something wonderful and perfect. I pray for guidance and protection for his life and the choices that he makes today and in the future. I pray that he will always see others the way Jesus sees them. Being quick to forgive; slow to anger; tender-hearted and caring for others more than himself. I pray he grows to be a dragonslayer and strong warrior for what’s right and true. With God on his side and hard work, Yuri can achieve every dream he’s ever desired.

My mom and dad use to have a poster hanging in my room that said “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” So here’s to hoping that Yuri will never be afraid to take a stand for what he believes is true, yet always be humble enough to admit if he is wrong.

At 14 Yuri is growing characteristics that will stick with him throughout the rest of his life. As a son, brother, grandson, student, employee, husband, and father someday. These next 5 years or so are going to be so important. A balance of fun, hard work, tough lessons learned, and challenges. But the rewards will be beyond his wildest imagination.

Like I said, I am proud. I am excited and I am in constant prayer mode. But isn’t that the way it is with grandparents? My grandparents prayed for me all the time, so I’m passing on the legacy. Prayer changes things and makes life so much more bearable!

Here’s to Yuri. You make my heart sing!

Just me,

Pam