My 16 year old officially left High school today, and apart from his exams he will not be in school.

Feel sad in one way, my little baby, because that is how I will always think of him, will be finding his own feet, will eventually cut those strings and move on.

Ok it may not be for a while, it is after all the natural order of things but it doesn't make me any less sad.

When he was first born, he had the brightest of blonde hair, so blonde he looked bald. He was put in my arms as I was coming round from the C section and all I could think of was how gorgeous he was - ok we all think that don't we? Even though they had cut his cheek, which, if you look close enough, has left a faint scar.

A perfect pregnancy, lead to a perfect child, a baby who slept constantly, who smiled early, who only woke up to be fed - some things don't change!

A child who people used to say had a wise head on young shoulders, so sensible, so grown up, so old before his time - and he was, still is. He is the one I can rely on, the one that I can have conversations with about anything. We have a good relationship, one that I hope will always be steadfast. We talk about anything, in fact his friends are often brought round for advice from mum, when he can't convince them they need help.

Of course there are times when we clash, but we are very much alike in most ways. He is studious, loves reading, loves Rock music, loves swimming, loves walking - a lot of interests we share. He never complains when asked to do something, he will never let people down.

He isn't always perfect though, none of us are right?

He is in his room studying right now, in between watching episodes of Red Dwarf and listening to Metallica. As I pass his room he has a smile.

Yes I am proud of him and wish him well in the future, it is no more than he deserves.