Another spring; another child waiting to hear what high school he's gotten into. Just as every child is different, every outcome and reaction records its own emotional impact within a family.
This time, yesterday, came a moment of unqualified happiness. My youngest son got into Lowell High School, his first choice.
Students are admitted to Lowell according to a merit system, based on points awarded for grades and test scores. It's extremely difficult to get in.
But he did, by a mile.
I happened to take this photo just as he realized the contents of the letter. He and I been across town when it arrived at his Mom's; he insisted that she not tell him the news; instead, we drove back there and then he waited while I parked, walked up her stairs, and came into the house to be with him as he learned the news.
His reaction was typically simple and unvarnished: "I'm going to Lowell."
No whoops, no fist-pumps. Just a quite smile of satisfaction.
Because I write so often of his (slightly) older brother's accomplishments, I sometimes feel like I'm overlooking my quiet, deeply thoughtful 13-year-old, even though that is how he would have it be -- no questions asked nor answered.
As little public attention as possible.
The two of us took a short walk on the beach. There, in the open air above a wild Pacific, his red curls tousled and his lanky frame energized by the chance to run and jump, he let off some of the nervous energy that had had to be building up during weeks of waiting for this day.
For a bit, he chattered, too; in his unique way, when he gets talking, there is no stopping him. He had lots to say about lots of things, his words misting like a gentle fog over the two of us at a semi-empty portion of beach where we frolicked together.
I love the way he uses language; to reproduce it here would amount to plagiarism of an invasive sort. Rather, I will await his writings in years to come.
This was a day I feel sure he will remember always. At a quiet moment, he stood alone on the dunes looking east toward Japan (which he badly wants to visit) and China. I stayed back, took another photo.
In that moment, I felt myself in his memory, many years hence, as he remembers the day -- the first day, really -- where his extraordinary intellectual curiosity received a bit of official recognition.
I can only say I was proud to be there.
And that I'm also sure there will be many, many more.
-30-
2 comments:
Congratulations to your son!!!! What a wonderful opportunity- and he definitely sounds like someone who will make the most of it.
Excellent!!
This is good news. Our three sons all went to Lowell, after private education for elementary and middle school. It was such a refreshing change -- a wonderful place where the safety net gives way to self reliance. It offers has the academic excellence of a private school in a very public school environment -- big, diverse, filled with energy. And the price is right! I hope you'll read the weekly (email) bulletin and join the PTSA. Parents are critical in making Lowell work. Cheers!
Post a Comment