Some people never lose the joys of childhood

My 21-year-old son is a pretty wonderful young man. I am proud of him and his accomplishments. He has turned into a respectful, (mostly) responsible person. At the same time, he can completely exasperate me. He has severe ADD, and without his medication, he doesn't hear, can't listen, and would forget his head if it wasn't firmly attached. Without his girlfriend, he would be a lost soul. She keeps him centered, grounded, and aware. Sometimes she clings too much for my liking, but that is probably the complaint of every mother about someone their son might (probably will) marry some day. Their relationship is over five years old, and still going strong.

However, none of this explains the title. One of the things I love about this child is his exuberance for life. He embraces it with open arms, is generally completely unselfconscious, and doesn't care what others think of him as long as he is comfortable with himself. He is a wonderful photographer, and often sees the world and its beauties from a child's point of view. He also occasionally does things that are not common for adults once we realize that others sometimes laugh at idiosyncratic behavior.

Witness the other night at the movies. Yes, he came with us to see Princess Diaries II. In fact he was the only male in the theater, and perfectly comfortable in that role. But he was in a great mood. Not sure why, doesn't really matter. Before the movie, while we were still in the lobby, something made him "frolic". Not sure what, doesn't really matter. He lightly tripped a few steps, gently flapping his lower arms and hands like a bird, and said he was frolicking. When his sister accused him of "prancing" he appealed to me as to whether it was a "prance" or a "frolic". Laughing, I responded that I would have to see it again to make a decision. So he "frolicked" a little more. No shame, no embarrassment, probably no medication, but that's not really the point, and no concern about anyone else in the lobby watching.

I couldn't have done it. His sister probably wouldn't have done it. He could and did, because he has never lost the joys of childhood, and I hope he never will.