I was supposed to be working on book three today and I found myself staring at the screen with no thoughts in my head about the story and an overwhelming amount of emotion I couldn’t put a finger on. I realized the reason when my son called. It was his last day of school. Ever. As far as High School goes anyway.
I should say right off that he’s my youngest. It’s strange that all of my kids will be out of high school now. First of all, how did I get this old? But really I’m thrilled for him. I’m thrilled for me too. You see he’s not a huge fan of school. He’d rather be working with his hands. Sitting in a classroom, even at seventeen, is torture.
I’ve been in a bit of a fog all week. Melancholy, happy, excited, worried and relieved but mostly I’m ridiculously proud of him. There are many reasons why I’m proud but suffice it to say it has been a long road getting here and he has accomplished much in this one moment.
This is the child who spent the majority of his first few years of schooling hanging upside down in his chair or standing in the corner. Did I mention I homeschooled? Yeah. You’re getting me now, right? There were many reasons why I homeschooled this kid for part of elementary school but mainly I didn’t want to get the phone calls home. It was better for everyone that way.
Now he’s decided what he wants to do with his future. It’s all he’s wanted to do since he could walk. What is it? He wants to work on cars or semi-trucks or anything with a motor. When he was little I could entertain him endlessly with anything with wheels. He never met a toy he didn’t destroy by taking the innards out and leaving them strewn across the house just so he could see how it worked.
The only time he stood still when he was a toddler was when I took him to the tire store. He stood in awe while watching the guys change everyone’s tires with those really cool air guns that made that fabulous whizzing sound. He was two.
If there were big tractors, lawn mowers, motorcycles, or racecars he was in. He was fascinated. When we need something put together? We just hand it to him. From the age of eight he was putting together parts washers and tool carts in my husband’s garage. Without directions. He’s the only one in the family that is allowed to attempt to fix anything. So I know he will be amazing at his chosen profession.
He’s already decided which technical college he wants to go to and he’s beyond excited about it. I told him that for the first time in his life I will be demanding straight A’s. I deserve them after the last thirteen years of torture we have both been through. He agreed.
As a mom it’s amazing to see him grow into the man he’s going to be. He’s a sweet, loyal, caring and generous person. He’s also hilarious. He makes fun of me relentlessly but loves me more than I deserve. I couldn’t have asked for a better son. He’s going to be an amazing man. I am humbled at the Lord’s gift.
Earlier today I couldn’t figure out how I felt exactly. Now I realize what it is. I feel blessed. God’s grace has rained down on my life. I don’t know why because I don’t deserve it but I’m grateful today for the blessing that is my son. Congratulations dude. You did it. I love you.
Mom
I’m proud that the high school I teach at still has a full industrial education program: metals, fabricating, woods, drafting, mechanics, glass/graphics, art, theatre, band/choir. Even though most kids only get two or three electives a year, it is their chance to get thier hands dirty in a day (and gives us core teachers some leverage to keep them passing).
This was a touching post. Good luck with the writer’s block.
Chris Plumb recently posted..Losing a Decade: What Happened to My Life?
Thanks for your comment. I feel like a lot of parents feel like if their kid isn’t an honor student or doesn’t fit into that box that schools try so hard to shove them into(I love teachers but don’t love the system so nothing against teaching here. I know how hard it is.) that you can’t be proud of your kid. I have one that’s an honor student and one that struggles and I’m equally proud of both. He has to work much harder than she does so how do you qualify that, you know?
I also think people forget how important those trade jobs really are. They actually still pay well and can still make for a satisfying career. Not everyone was made to sit behind a desk. It’s foolish to think that all kids are exactly the same, should learn the same way, be taught the same way. It makes me so frustrated. Glad this part of his life is over and he can go to a school where he will excel and thrive doing something he loves. Okay I’m getting off my soap box now. This is one of those don’t get me started subjects for me! =)
This is one of the few things I’ve ever read that made me wish for a minute that I had kids. You really ARE blessed, Elena! 🙂
Kitty Bucholtz recently posted..Focus on Your Strengths
You are so funny. I used a lot of tissues writing it. I am very blessed. =)