Larger Child, my first, my Sugar Bee, is eight days away from finishing elementary school. Hang on, you're gonna have to give me a minute...
...inhale....
....exhale....
Eight school days away from closing the chapter on childhood. Eight days away from the end of crayons and recess. I cannot believe we are here already, on the cusp of middle school, teenagers, lockers, hormones, homework, and all the other wonderful scary challenging hilarious exhausting things that come with that. I know they always say it goes so fast. But, guys... it goes SO FAST.
We have been gifted with the ability to have Larger Child in a really phenomenal school. Every single teacher there loves what they do, and has a real investment and interest in his personal growth and well-being. Some have loved and coddled him, some have challenged him and forced him to get uncomfortable enough to grow, most have done both. I have to say, each and every one of you who have had a hand in this young man's education and development are nothing less than angels to me. This boy is growing up to be something truly amazing... and I know for certain you have had a part in that.
Larger Child has hit a growth spurt this year that has been unlike any other previously experienced. And I am not just talking about the beginnings of puberty, though I am sure it has something to do with it. It seems as though he has undergone a spiritual growth. I am not sure if it was circumstances with me and my surgery/recovery, just a "right time" maturity boost, lessons from the environment, or a combination of all, but he is becoming such a beautiful and kind human being.
Every morning, he sets his alarm, gets up, makes he and his brother's breakfast. Get's ready for school, then packs he and his brother's lunch. After school, he walks his brother home from the bus, feeds the dog, does his homework, and often times helps me cook dinner. All of these things he does without being asked. Every. Day. These are just the "things" the chores that need to be done, but they are huge to me. They are things he has taken on without argument, because he knows it will help me out right now while I can't do it.
Beyond this, his heart... every morning he asks me how I slept, every afternoon, he asks me how my day was, every night, hugs and kisses before bed... Then the extra things... Yesterday, I had a traumatic experience with a baby bird right before he came home from school. He picked up on my heartache, and encouraged and allowed me to lay that out for him. He was compassionate, loving, kind, patient, and understanding. One of the best listeners I have ever had. He has also started being willing to ask for help, willing to say "I don't get it." Swallowing pride, letting go of the idea that he knows everything... even if it is just every once in a while... is beginning to happen.
I am not saying that this child is perfect, or done growing by any stretch. There are still fits, there are still loud sighs, eye rolls, anger issues, lack of self control... this is his humanness. BUT, I wanted to take a minute and recognize the beauty in his spirit. The God I am seeing in him. The changes and growth, letting go of ego, thinking of others, willingness to learn and adapt, tiny glimpses of selflessness... shining moments of love.
So, as we end this chapter of Larger Child's childhood, I see now that I can let go of fear. While I can (and most certainly will be) sad to see this part end, I have no doubt in my mind that he will strive and succeed in the next chapter. That he will continue to amaze me. That in his core, in his being, is beauty and light, and that will go with him even if the crayons don't.
No comments:
Post a Comment