Yep. Six. Swimming. Eating popsicles. Dirty face. Underwear wearing, snotty nosed, mouthy, arrogant little booger from unknown regions. He was an AWFUL child. We argued. We fought. I disciplined. He pouted. We laughed and cried and loved together. And despite ALL evidence to the contrary, Lane has flourished and grown into a most impressive adult.
When Lane was a little guy (I swear it was just yesterday) Uncle Mark would call him "Lane Change." Lane would howl and holler and protest VERY loudly "THAT'S NOT MY NAME." So of course, Mark would continue "Lane Change. Lane Change. Lane Change." (Yeah, I'm married to a two year old.)
Fast forward a few years and Lane Change is just what he did. I swear to you, I have NEVER seen anything like it. I watched this boy drop his friends, drop his bad habits and drop his self destructive behavior. He looked down the road and recognized that he was heading for disaster. That was NOT flying with this boy. Nope. No way. No how.
So Lane changed.
Lane is strong and kind and good and generous and loyal. Oh, and handsome.
I read through this writing and it sounds as if Lane was not strong and kind and good before he made the switch. You would be wrong. He was all that. And more. However, Lane just forgot to show all these qualities and soon enough they got lost in the mud and the mire of bad behavior. Lane simply began to tap into his strength and kindness and goodness and loyalty THAT WAS ALREADY THERE waiting for his acknowledgement.
Oh yeah, and guess what? He loves his Aunt Nette. Despite all the yelling and discipline and warnings and butt-smacking. Lane loves me and I'm better for it.
I'm so lucky to be a part of his life. The Deason's are lucky to have him. Tim and Shannon and Devin were blessed to raise him. Bayley is lucky to marry him. The world is a better place with Lane in it.
Don't tell me that change can't happen. Don't tell me that it is too hard to make the changes to better your life. Don't tell me that it's not fair to have to change. Don't say the words.
I've seen it.
I've witnessed it.
My all-time favorite quote is from Mahatma Ghandi.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Lane did it. So can you.
Introducing Lane and Bayley Deason. Together they'll do wonderful things.
