July 15, 2005
today is a good day
I have a five-year-old son named Henry. His brain does not work like other five-year-olds. He is often impulsive and reckless; he is also easily frightened. He can be both at the same time.
Last summer, Henry took swim lessons, in a group, with other kids his age. He refused, until the very end of the summer, to put his face in the water. He refused, entirely, to go under water unless someone was there to catch him, even in the shallow end. He would jump off the side, land on his feet, and walk to the steps to get out. He did not swim. But he loved the pool.
This summer, knowing what we know about his brain and how it works, we signed Henry up for private swim lessons. The girl who has been working with him is an angel. She is kind and patient and has a terrific sense of humour. She is only in high school, but she has taught Henry to swim, which is little short of miraculous.
Today I watched my son jump off the diving board and swim to the side of the pool. All by himself. And when I said to him, ‘Buddy, you did a great job out there!’, he looked at me and said, ‘I know.’ And then he thought for a moment, and he said, ‘ And you know what? I feel really proud of myself.’
I have a five-year-old son named Henry, and today I am so proud of him that I just may cry.
Posted by Susan @ 12:41 pm • Uncategorized
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July 15th, 2005 at 6:19 pm, Candace Says:
Yay for Henry!!!
If Christopher has taught me ANYthing, it’s that each child progresses at his or her own speed and they’ll either GET there or they won’t.
And if they don’t, no biggie.
July 15th, 2005 at 9:07 pm, Busy Mom Says:
OK, I may cry, too! How wonderful!
July 16th, 2005 at 10:07 am, ieatcrayonz Says:
Aw! He’s not just proud, he’s really proud. Me too.
And I’m proud of you for getting the hang of this, for knowing how to deal and react to your son’s needs. Go have yourself a celebratory drink!
July 17th, 2005 at 9:49 am, M&Co. Says:
That’s wonderful!