Michael, age 10, is preparing to do his first comprehensive public speaking tomorrow. He is doing an expert report on the beginnings of animation. He has prepared a PowerPoint presentation, he has visual aides, he has practiced and practiced. The child has presence, impeccable timing, and good body language. I must say, I am impressed!!! It's not perfect though, we are talking about Michael. He is a special kid, with a fantastic sense of humor......but, he also has a complete lack of self awareness. He could be in front of that group with dirt on his face, snot running out of his nose, and spit slurring every word, and it wouldn't phase him a bit. He has that special brand of confidence that can't be duplicated. I love that about him, but find myself forever nagging him about his lack of neatness (that is kinder than the term I usually use). His brand of confidence is definitely something you are born with, a spiritual gift. I vow to guard it carefully, and not dampen it, even if it means my kid has a perpetual dirt mark on his cheek, lol.
I enter this new week a little tired, but smiling. Why? No drama this weekend. We had sunshine, and sports, and cuddle time--- less the drama. Most families don't experience the intense level of emotions that the Rhodes clan does. Sure, they have the hectic life of families, perhaps some fighting, the normal mess--- perhaps a little teen hormone induced drama....but we have drama of a different kind in our house. The kind of drama caused by a brain that is shooting off crazy chemicals induced by years of trauma. When our son Victor is home, the whole world is a great big land mine. Saying the wrong thing, calling him out on behavior, or even suggesting that he not eat a 4th serving of ice cream can cause the the peace to recede, and for chaos to ensue. He is now in a boarding school for kids with emotional issues. As sad as it is that our family isn't all together--- I must admit that the peace in our household is a welcome blessing. We are learning more and more
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