Must Be Doing Something Right

So I get a letter in the mail last week informing me that my Kindergarten Son would be getting an award Tuesday at his school. It explained it had something to do with achievement and I just automatically assumed it was one of those end of the year, make everyone feel special type things. No matter though, I was going to be there to support him and give him a tiny cheering section. I charged up my video camera (which I hardly ever use because I never think of it) and threw my digital camera in my purse; I was ready! I left work early and agreed to stay later so that I could make it. When I got there I saw a small group of parents sitting in the auditorium. A few of them had balloons that said "Congratulations" but overall everyone wore smiles. To my surprise though, there were only a small amount of kindergartners sitting on the floor in front of the stage. My assumption had been wrong. Only a few from each class were chosen to receive awards today and my Son happen to be one of them.

When the Principle called me Son's name, which she pronounced his last name incorrectly by the way, she explained he was being rewarded for his progress and achievements in reading and leadership skills. My Son! This for a kid who could barely trace a straight line or sit still long enough to finish a page of homework in the beginning of the school year. Now he's writing, doing math, and reading entire books. I mean, I saw his progress, but his Teacher along with the Principle of the school saw it too. I was ecstatic for him! There I am holding a video cam in one hand, digital in the other, and yelling all at the same time!

Although the award in itself was enough to make any Parent proud, my high was elevated by two other things today. One being how excited and happy he was that I was there. Nudging all his friends and pointing me out, saying "That's my Mom right there! She has a black purse. You see her? That's my Mom. Hi Mom!". It's good to see that even though he may be growing up at a pace faster than I would like, he's not embarrassed of me yet. Second was when we were standing in the office waiting to get his award necklace he turns around to me and says, "Look Mom, I'm a leader! Just like you said I was." You're damn right Ty!!

Most Parents try to shove in their child's head not to be a followers. To instead lead by example and carve your own path in life. If you knew my Son, he was always following somebody else. What he saw on T.V., what his Dad thought was cool, copying other little kids...I feared for his individuality. But today when he called himself a leader, I felt like he truly believed it. If this award, although just in Kindergarten gives him the mindset and boost of self esteem he needs to continue being a leader into his adult life, I'll be the happiest Mommy in the world. In our society its so easy for children to get influenced in negative ways or lost in what is really them. I'm going to try and keep this moment fresh in his mind. Remind him what it felt like to be a leader and hopefully he will never stray from this direction.

Mama's proud Ty! Keep up the good work. I love you <3