My oldest just “graduated” from the 8th grade. While most people say that makes them feel old, I am excited! My son is an amazing human being. He is smart, handsome, athletic, talented in music, and he is caring and compassionate. We (his father and I) have strived to raise our children with faith, morals, independence, and character, and over the past few years, I have seen those things emerge in Alex. Especially in this last year. He has had much to deal with over the past 10 years. I was diagnosed with leukemia when he was just a little guy. He has had to face potential loss from such an early age. Then, when my brother, Jake, died this past December, he had it hit him straight on. His English teacher told me about his last assignment…he had to write a farewell speech for his 8th grade promotion ceremony. She told me that it was amazing. He spoke about how most of his middle school experience was just a social experience, then went on to speak about how the loss of Jake and how the possibility of losing me woke him up. He wants to better himself to make me proud (which he already does) and to honor Jake, because Jake would have expected him to be motivated and become the best person he could be. Alex’s teacher said it was a very moving speech. It was almost chosen as one of the speeches to be given during the ceremony (he was beat out by another student who wrote his speech, and then used sign language when he spoke it). I have yet to see the written part of this speech, but when I asked him if he could share it with me, he did. Can I just say, I am such a crybaby! He was very articulate and emotive. I was floored! He is becoming such a man!
So, when I think of my high schooler, I don’t think I am old. I just think of how excited I am to see what kind of man he chooses to become. I already know that, so far, he is heading down the right path. I also know that high school is tumultuous and wild. I hope he has his seatbelt on, because I am strapped in and ready to go on this wild ride!
Alex is such an amazing young man and you are an AMAZING mother!