A trip to South Africa showed me a side of my adult son I'd been too busy to notice

A recent African safari allowed the author to see a new side of her adult son, Ben, whom she had always been the planner for in their family. As she traveled with him, she described him as braver and more confident than she had previously known him, especially when facing wildlife close-up during their game drives. Ben's newfound comfort in the African wilderness mirrored a shift in their relationship, with the author now a passenger on this adventure together.

She appreciated the chance to connect with Ben on an equal footing, away from their usual roles as parent and child. This newfound equality led to casual conversations about snacks and a shared giddy excitement during their final night under the stars, reminiscent of a childhood sleepover. The author realized Ben's growth and maturity in this new environment, and she felt grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the man he had become.