2007 was a banner year for Second Son. Back in January, he made the homepage of the school district’s website for being nominated and selected as a People to People Student Ambassador.
In May, he and his girlfriend (pictured here) went to the 8th grade prom (their first dress up affair) and then graduated to High School…oh yes – they’re grown now…High School.
In June, he went to Ireland, Wales, England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands for 20 days with the Student Ambassador delegation from Northeastern Oklahoma. I aged about a decade in those 20 days, sending him halfway around the world with no family along. Ironically, he came back about a decade more mature, in many ways.
In July, he attended a summer program at the community college which wrapped up with a trip to St. Louis.
In August, he started high school and made starting center for the freshman football team. And now, to wrap up the year, he’s been interviewed on OldSchoolDadTalkRadio.com. Upon listening to the interview, I know that 2008 portends to be an even bigger year for him, if he has his way about it: he’ll meet his father for the first time. Yes, the father that neither of us have seen hide nor hair of since Second Son was 2 months old…that one.
Aside from the 13 billion emotions that coursed through me hearing him voice that wish, I was impressed by this kid of mine. He’s something else, this one.
I want to be a Student Ambassador. I also want his eyelashes.
You done good.
Oh, let me tell you – that picture does NO justice to those eyelashes of his. He gets them from my dad (who neglected to pass them on to ANY of his four daughters.) When he was a baby, they touched his eyebrows – literally. It was/still is totally not fair. We decided that if everyone had eyelashes like him, mascara would still not be invented yet. LOL
As for Europe, I told him that when he’s older, has a fat paycheck and some vacation time, he’s takin’ mama to see all the things he saw on that trip. He said, “Ok.” I’m holding him to it. :)s
That’s so cool…and rather brave of your son. Wow.
I think in general it’s tough when guys aren’t in touch with their dads. (It’s bad enough when children aren’t in touch with their parents, but from what I read, gender matters).
Wanting to meet and bond his father is so brave. Bravo to him for being active and not wanting to stew in anger. And bravo for you for being behind him.
Happy holidays, m’dear!
You’re right – he IS brave. I am in awe of that about him.
And yes, it’s harder for boys to grow up without fathers, I think. But, it doesn’t HAVE to be detrimental.