Stop Time!

This morning Liam-the-12-year-old-boy and I are leaving on another road trip.  We are heading to Edmonton to meet Taryn-the-16-year-old-girl who is wrapping up her jet-setting summer of leisure.

The drive is sure to be a relaxing two days through various mountain ranges that separate me from the rest of Canada;  a time to bond with the child who is still able to admit that I am a contributing member to his existence (albeit barely).  You see, he starts high school and turns into an egomaniacal teenager in a few weeks.

Shortly, I will be demoted to provider of food and money and, once again, my thoughts and opinions will wither in comparison with the influence that all others will have in his life.

How do I know all this?  It's like I have a crystal ball.  I already have visions of the trip back when Taryn-the-16-year-old-girl claims her entitled place in the front seat, silently evaluates my choice of music before turning on her Ipod, adjusts her oversized, Nicole Ritchie sunglasses and reclines her seat.  Never to be heard from again.  Until it requires sustenance.