My first born got braces today.
Big whoop-dee-do, huh?
For some reason, it was.
Somehow before my eyes, this child has really blossomed into a most beautiful spirit and I am honored to be able to watch the progression.
Dane has always been a good kid. His energy, even as a baby, was truly inspiring (not as exhausting as his brothers). His inquisition and curiosity were blended perfectly with a general wit, a toddler "street-smart" sense, if you will. I call him an "old soul" because he simply is. He has a sense of compassion and empathy that you just can't teach. It's the kind of peaceful patience and understanding that is usually earned through years of hard lessons, painful mistakes and life's setbacks. But, this kid just has it...in fact, he has always had it.
Today, he is an honest, good natured, kind, smart, athletic, talented, beautiful, well-behaved sixth-grade pre-teen. That almost sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Well, not for Dane.
Dane is a star-student. He has won the Terrific Kid Award at his school. He is a straight-A student (who even GETS A+s in Science). He loves to learn -- is passionate about reading. This kid really does it all -- Student Council, Running Club, Talent Shows, Band, Honor Band, Football, Guitar, Clarinet, Millionaire Club, I could go on and on. But, what is so super special about this kid (other than the fact that he is mine)...is that he is delicately emotional. I don't mean that he is a ticking time bomb or an emotional roller-coaster, but this kid FEELS. His heart is pure...and golden. He gets upset when he thinks he has let us down -- a bad test score or stern mom-discipline can make his gorgeous dark brown bambi eyes tear up. He is fiercely competitive, but with amazing character and sportsmanship. He was a star on his football team, but always credited his blockers and his quarterback. He was so proud of himself when he made honor band playing the bass clarinet. It's the kind of passion a parent dreams they will see in their child. He is witty and his sense of humor is dry and quick. He keeps up with the adult conversations (sometimes too well). And, he's helpful. He helps his brother with his homework and with his football moves (and with is bloody noses, too.) He is kind to other kids his age. And, he loves and helps his "Mama" (I have no idea when or why he started calling me that...but he does.) I've said before...and I'll say it again...Dane helped me through the hardest times by being there...hugging me...holding my hand...sometimes...with just a look.
We just found out that he has won the Outstanding Superintendent Citizenship Award for the district. It's an unbelievable honor that shows other people see his leadership, integrity, kindness, dependability, intelligence and worth. We will be honoring him and watching him receive the award on the evening of May 16.
Today, as I was driving him to the orthodontist to get his braces, we were laughing and singing. He had a nervous energy. Mid song...my boy reaches over and intertwines his fingers in mine (yep, he sits in the front when it's just us.) We drove the rest of the way -- hand in hand. As he got on the chair, the orthodontist came over and Dane jumped up, faced him and shook his hand. I was proud of his respect. Then, minutes later, as I watched him....with his hands sweetly in his lap and huge feet crossed (showing the hole in his toe)...I actually had a flashback of his life. I stared at him. A boy...growing up so fast...a blessing in this world...
...and I cried.
That damn Irish heart just did me in...
I'm proud of my boy. I love him. I'm honored to watch him grow. He is already my dream come true and I cannot wait to see how his future unfolds....and even when I call him Brace Face....Tin Grin...Metal Mouth... :)
He feels my love in that old soul of his.
He knows.
