My kids school is a year round schedule so this past Wednesday, they went back to school to start the new school year. Drew is now a fourth grader and Ethan a second grader.
Earlier in the week, I had to go in and have what the school calls "goal setting conferences" with both kids teachers. Not sure why they call it that because "goals" are never brought up per se. Someone had fun with the naming of the event I guess.
As usual, I got my beginning of the school year blues concerning Drew. I went to see his teacher and look at his classroom and was again reminded of the giant gulf between him and his peers. The room was stocked with large, chapter books. Drew can read only a handful of words. They are tackling more and more advanced math and he can just barely add. Every year, when I go to these back to school things, I leave feeling a bit sad about his situation. Sad that it is so hard for him to learn. Sad that he knows he does different things than the other kids in his class. Sad that his future is anyone's guess.
Every year, I feel bad for a day and then I look at that beautiful boy and remember how amazing he is and how much I love him. Maybe he can't read but I have to believe there is something unique and cool about a kid that at 9 comes up to me every morning lately, gently rubs my lower back, and asks "how is it today". Who wants to carry anything heavy so he can help me get better. Who will tirelessly spend hours at his Grandpa's cabin helping Grandpa drag dead trees off the road or dig a hole. Who can remember any person's name who he has ever met (he so didn't get that from me). Who is always very concerned if someone is upset or having a bad day. None of that is anything that they measure at school but all good things if you ask me.
