With eyelids still heavy from a deep and cumbersome sleep, I can’t help but grin thinking about the trip I just returned from.

On second thought, this was not a trip. It was a vacation. There is definitely a difference. 

With a title like Memories from Mazatlan, I know what you’re thinking.

But no, not those kind of memories. Not the romantic memories made by lovers on a tropical getaway. Nor the memories made miles from reality by good friends on a weekend girl’s or guy’s junket.

These memories were those made with my son.

I was on a mom’s/son’s vacation to Mazatlan. An idea concocted by the four 19 year olds, my son and his three dearest friends. The adventure was then brought to fruition by the moms.

This vacation was all about fun and relaxation. But, for me, it quickly became more about the time spent together. And the realization that my relationship with my son is growing. Not that we haven’t always been close, because we have. But, I can feel our bond heading in a new direction.

In Mazatlan, Cabo, Cancun or any other Mexican tourist destination, you are far from the pressure of work or school. You are nowhere near your responsibilities. You are miles away from your stress. Needing little more than bathing suits, sunscreen, and a toothbrush.

We have been to many of the tourist destinations mentioned as well as cities just across the border, a little closer to home. Mexico holds a special place in my family’s heart. We have traveled there too many times to count. It is an amazing country and my family is particularly partial to it’s rich culture and beautiful people.

But, for as many times as I’ve been to Mexico, this trip was like no other. I had a chance to see my son more as an adult than a child. I wasn’t watching his every move; nervous about him being in the pool; thinking about nap time; concerned about pedophiles and kidnappers; or reapplying sunscreen.

(Truth be told I was still concerned about reapplying sunscreen.)

But, I didn’t live on the familiar edge of paranoia that we moms do, especially in unfamiliar territory. Being just on the fringe of full relaxation due to the hyper vigilance about our child’s safety and well-being.

I didn’t have to set up camp on the outskirts of worry.

I felt with this excursion, my son and I were almost on the level of peers . . . almost.

My son and I had a chance to be on this vacation together as friends. Confirmation that the hierarchy is shifting. He took care of me just as much as I took care of him. The boundaries that once held us firmly in place as parent and child are melting.

And it feels good.

Salty Kisses,

Karen

Let’s Get Social!    Facebook Twitter Instagram