Today BigBrother had the joy of celebrating his last day of school.

First grade is over for him. He’s kind of glad. I’m stinkin’ relieved.

It was a hard year in some respects. In addition to problems with timed math tests, he experienced some difficulties with a bullying situation. I might have more to say about that later, when it’s not so fresh and I’m not so Ragey Mama Bear, but for now know that he is safe, that his school took care of it as best they could and that steps have taken place for next year. Add in the hearing loss, and it was just a rather stressful year for the little guy.
It was also a good year. He was student of the month early in the year, a special surprise since this was a different school than he attended last year. He made new friends — good friends. He had his first girlfriend, which was six kinds of adorable. At the end of the year assembly, he won the Apple Award which is, to the best of my knowledge, some kind of “all around student” type award. Yes, my Mama Heart beats with pride.
He grew a lot this year, physically and emotionally. I didn’t really how much until I had him hold up his first day of first grade photograph.

I thought he hadn’t changed much, just sprouted a little and thinned out here and there. No, he’s changed. A lot. When he looked at the picture this morning, he smiled. “I felt nervous that first day, Mommy. Since it was a new school and everything. But everything is good now.”

I love the way he looks at the world, his life, his challenges. I am grateful for some time off together with him this summer. I hope to treat him to lots of fun, to relax him before second grade brings a series of new challenges. Until then…

…let’s do this!









