For those of you not on Facebook, I posted this today:
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I don’t usually do TBT photos. But I wanted to today… This is Number 3’s preschool picture from when he was four years old. It was taken almost exactly 5 years ago. Number 3 hardly spoke at all that year at school. He was painfully shy, very anxious, and was basically dragged in front of the camera by his teacher. Looking at the picture, it’s kind of obvious how he felt that day. A couple weeks after this picture was taken, we went to visit kindergarten for orientation. Well, we tried. Number 3 had a full on panic attack. He refused to go into the school. He actually threw himself down on the sidewalk and had a code red, level 10 freak out, screaming and kicking and thrashing around on his back on the ground while all the other parents and their eager children quietly walked around him, trying not to stare too much. We never made it inside. It was awful, and I was certain he was never going to willingly enter that building, that he would never adjust to being away from me, and that I had fucked him up good. Number 3 is in fourth grade now. And tonight he is starring as Aladdin in the fourth grade play. I never, EVER imagined those words would come out of my mouth. Number 3 is starring in a fucking play. He’s far from perfect. He’s still finding his way. He is often awkward and inappropriate and a pain in the ass and a troublemaker. But he’s also funny and bright and extremely talented. And he’s starring in a fucking play. Did I mention that yet? I am so freaking proud of him. So this is for everyone out there who has a kid struggling with something that you are sure he or she won’t ever overcome. They will. And when they do, all the struggles will be worth that moment of triumph. I promise. Now I need to go find a few hankies. I’m already crying. Tonight’s gonna get ugly. Happy Throw Back Thursday. This is by far, my favorite one ever. |
Well…
He did it.
And he was great.
And he had fun.
And I’m both on an emotional high and completely emotionally drained at the same time.
So here is a very quick story.
The play started at 6:00.
We got there at about 5:45, which for us is seriously early.
But for everyone else, it wasn’t, and about 75% of the seats were already full.
The play was in the elementary school gym/cafeteria, so if you’re a few rows back, you can’t see too well.
Since we had the little guys with us, we went to the very back row. At least they’d be able to stand. But I was pretty bummed.
And then, out of nowhere, a woman who also has a child in 4th grade, who reads the blog and who I’ve really only met once, came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder.
“My son was the Big Bad Wolf in his 4th grade play. I got to sit up front. You can’t sit back here. We’re in the third row. Take our seats. [Number 3] needs to see your face. And you need to be up there.”
Renee, thank you so much.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Thank you for letting me watch my guy up close.
He had a blast.
And if it weren’t for you, I never would have gotten the picture to prove it.
What a great day.
Thank you for making me Number 1!
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I am very happy everything went great with the play I think its wonderful he was able to stand up and do something like that for the first time. great job number 3!!! And way to go mom for raising a kid who all though is still finding his way through life was able to find confidence in his self and do something very brave!! it is also ironic because I have been feeling upset all night because my three year old is struggling with her confidence and with a “mean” girl at school and was crying on the way home about not wanting to go back anymore and I have been pondering how on earth I am going to make this right for and how I have failed at helping my daughter feel beautiful and confident. Thanks again for your time and great post.
So very proud of Number 3!!
Truly a day to celebrate. Kudos to you all, and espec to no. 3
#3 WAS…OMG!!!!!
HE TOTALLY ROCKED!!!!!