Today my son turned 11. Yep. He's a preteen. He's been in the double digits for a year now but something about those two "one"s sitting together is really getting me today.Typically I take a picture the night before while he is sleeping and then take one the next day as a Before and After. For the first time, however, I wasn't with Sonny-Bunny the night before his birthday nor was I there to wake him up this morning. He is on a camping trip with his 5th grade class which only further shows his growing independence.Eleven years ago today, I was bringing him into this world. As soon as he cried that first all important cry, he was placed in my arms. I held him tightly to my heart. Over the years, he has slowly pulled away. With each year, he was less in my arms and more in the world. I know he will still need me but as the years go on, the space between us will grow. He will be less and less mine and more and more his own. And that is how it should be. Each birthday brings the gift of new adventures but to embark on those adventures, he will need more and more space to grow.Today we are two singles standing next to each other -- close enough to touch but with plenty of air to breathe. Because that is what he needs. And today when I see my boy and wish him happy birthday, I will give him that gift. I will give him space,  even though his growth will be away from me.