My son had a project this week regarding courage. His task was to bring something to school that, to him, signified courage. He and my wife scoured the Internet, read books, and taxed their brains for something that struck his fancy. Harriet Tubman’s name was mentioned, as was a book entitled “Follow the drinking gourd“, both very fitting for this particular project.
My son’s teacher sent home a little sheet with a few simple instructions:
1) Bring something that signifies “Courage” to you.
2) Explain why this object means “Courage” to you.
That was the last I heard of this project until this morning.
On the way to school I asked my son if he had completed his project, and if he had all the items he needed with him. Out of curiosity I also wanted to know which topic, or person, he finally chose. He said “I decided to do something different Daddy. I’m taking a picture of you when you were in the military.”
I got a little misty, and my chest swelled with pride. My son had chosen me over all other bastions of courage, regardless of how much more fitting it would have been had he chosen any of them. I dropped him off at school, waved goodbye, and went off to work with my head in the clouds.
After school I picked him up. “Got everything?” I asked, as he jumped in the truck.
“Nope! My teacher wants to keep your picture, and my paper about you, on the bulletin board until next week.” (More chest swelling)
Worriedly, I said “Make sure we get that picture back eventually son! It is the only one I have.”
“I will Dad. My teacher said she would return it after we learn about fossils next week.” (insert sound of chest deflation here)
I know that it wasn’t meant that way, but damn if that didn’t bring me back down to earth quickly for some force fed humility.
You just can’t make stuff up like that. LOL! Its great he thought of you for a courage report. Awesome. I think I would be a first or second mention for a goof ball report perhaps.
Hi Joe,
I’ll be 40 in a few months. The fossil thing hit hard
I agree; It was pretty awesome that he thought of me. I was touched.
That’s awesome! Isn’t that just typical of being a parent? Just when we thought we got it right – chest deflation! haha!
Katy’s last blog post..Making the decision about college
Fossil! ha! They bring you right back down to earth, don’t they? Gotta love ‘em!
tom’s last blog post..From the archives: Teamwork
wouldn’t have it any other way!
Nothing like a kid to make you feel like a fossil at any age. I’ve given up dreading middle age– I may as well already be there!
LiteralDan’s last blog post..No mo NaBloPoMo
Just keep telling yourself “Age is a number, and mine’s unlisted!”.
THAT’S what it’s all about in a nutshell…
A great big hug followed a swift kick in the nuts.
Great wee story.
Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..Walking the walk
I need a cup! I fear these kicks will be coming fast and furious once he figures humor out.
Age is a number….
I would always tell my son when he asked that I was 8 years old. The shocked look of disbelief when I finally fessed up and told him I was 42 was almost unbearable for him—-and me.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Catharsis
What a cool thing for him to pick… congrats. Fossils? … now, that right there is funny.
Tara R.’s last blog post..Random Wednesday
It was hilarious. A little too close to home, but hilarious nonetheless.
HAHAHA!!! What a great post. Kids have a way of bringing you back down to reality…quick lol! Love your blog. Im so glad I came across it!
Glad you liked it Debbie! I’m happy you stopped by. Don’t be a stranger.
Have a great day
Great post! Made me laugh.
Jenny’s last blog post..‘Tis The Season To Enjoy Some Mommy Time
Hi Jenny; Glad you could stop by and have a chuckle.