Aah, Summer

The Boy graduated Grade 8 last week.

When we sat down in the auditorium, I overheard (eavesdropped) the lady behind us talking about her son getting an academic award. She knew this, because the school emailed her.

I guess The Boy isn't getting an award, I thought to myself. Because I did not receive an email from the school.

The ceremony was long (Grade 7 awards were incorporated), but my little heart almost burst with pride seeing The Boy, all six-foot-one-and-a-half of glorious handsomeness, marching up the aisle to receive his certificate, shake the hand of the principal (a person we will NOT miss), pose for picture, shake the hand of his teacher (Mr. Corey Petford - a teacher so wonderful I have no words that could adequately describe my adoration and appreciation) and assume his place on the stage.

Next? The awards. Because I did not receive an email and was not really paying attention (I clapped when everyone else did), I was flummoxed when The Boy's name was called for an award. I leaned over to J. "What is he getting an award for?" I hissed as I clammored for my camera (awful pictures ensued). "I don't know! I wasn't paying attention! We didn't get an email!"

Turns out he won an award for academic achievement for Social Studies.

That's soooo him.

We were proud. The Boy was charming. It was lovely.

In the last week of school, the Grade 8's went on their annual end of elementary school trip. They travelled by bus 3 hours away to visit the Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Within its 760 acres there were 19 sites that represent the active society of Northern Plains Peoples.

Before he departed, he asked for some spending money. I obliged and gave him $20. Upon his return, he showed me what he had bought.

I inwardly grimmaced when I saw what be bought for himself: a cheap looking arrowhead replica necklace and thought "I hope you didn't spend your whole $20 dollars on this..."

Then, he said "But that's not what I want to show you...I got THIS for my little sister..." and proceeded to show me the most delicate and beautiful bracelet. Make of pink glass elongated beads, it's exactly the type of jewellery any girl (no matter what age) would love.

"Do you think she'll like it?"

"She will love it. And I? Love you."

Generous, kind boy. We are so very, very lucky.

Lise