Well, today is a big day. I know you'll be there, and Jack knows that as well. I wish with all of my heart you could be there in person so Jack could hear the chears and clapping that you'd be doing. He knows how proud you are of him, but he wishes you could be there to personally tell him.
He's silly though. When I went to wake him up for the day today, he looked at me and said, "Thanks mom for supporting me through school." Like he was graduating from high school or something and getting ready to embark on the grand adventure, aka...college. As I sit here an type this letter to you, I can think back on all the of the years when the Jack War of Independence and I-Know-It-All battles took place at the kitchen table. I named them, just to keep my sanity and perspective.
Battle Type 1: San Jacinto...These were the quick and painless battles. The ones where he would quickly see that the way to do it, (the way I showed him) was exactly like how his teacher did it. Or he would refer to his notes and see that I was right. These battles lasted only about 30 minutes. I also group the times he went to his room to do his work with no argument and brought it out for me to check.
Battle Type 2: The Alamo...These were the times when Jack would plant his feet and not budge until total domination happened and the work got done. These homework session would last for hours! You experienced these several times in second and third grade.
His confidence has grown so much over the years thanks to a wonderful network of friends and family. One of the teachers at school tutored him over the summer before sixth grade and he liked her. He did so much better in math this year and we often saw his average higher than his other grades. The private tutor we got this year also helped. Often times The Alamo was tried to come out when he didn't want to go to tutoring, but in the end he saw how much it helped so I don't get as much resistance about that.
I feel confident that he's ready for Junior High. He's in AVID at the junior high which will help. Athletics will start as well, and I'm going to have him try lots of different sports besides football. He's ready for football, but he's also looking at Track and Field...shot put and discuss and wrestling.
He's definitely edging into the pre-teen years and his attitude is changing. Thank goodness Kevin's here. Thanks for sending him. He's been so good for Jack. His beliefs and the way he thinks things should be in the house and life are a lot like yours. Jack sees that and is settling down a bit.
I'll see you today at graduation. I'm sure you'll cross the stage with Jack, just like you're always with both the kids. We did it! Now on to Phase 3...Junior High.
Love always,
SM
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