Proud Dad
Last night, M received his second class rank as a Boy Scout (he'd already earned tenderfoot), and his first 3 merit badges (Archery, Fishing and Fingerprinting) which he earned on his week at Camp Wente 24 days ago. He was pretty thrilled. I was happy he'd found his stride in an organization that is kind of a laboratory for him to learn to get along with groups. He still has a lot to learn, and I still have a lot to learn about helping him learn it, but pieces are coming into focus. There was a kid, W, who had teased M in the past, and I was concerned that meant the average kid had an issue with M. Watching last night as 3 different scout leaders felt it necessary to corral and shut W up during the awards ceremony, I realized W is a mouthy kid who has challenges of his own, and that M seemed more comfortable than I'd ever seen him in this 70-person setting. Also, M was chatting with another boy, who chose to sit next to M, about maybe meeting on Runescape and virtually hanging out together some time. That's progress.
Another way I'm proud of M is that last week, in Yosemite, on his 12th birthday, he succeeded in hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls. He groused about turning back a number of times, but kept at it, and had a blast when we got to the top. This is progress for him, and a big deal accomplishment. I packed in some cupcakes, cards, and a small gift that he opened at the top to make an occasion of it. It was cool.
Another way I'm proud of M is that last week, in Yosemite, on his 12th birthday, he succeeded in hiking to the top of Yosemite Falls. He groused about turning back a number of times, but kept at it, and had a blast when we got to the top. This is progress for him, and a big deal accomplishment. I packed in some cupcakes, cards, and a small gift that he opened at the top to make an occasion of it. It was cool.