I've mentioned before how our two older boys are completely opposite from each other. Our oldest son Christian, is the academic type while our second son Ethan, is an athlete. You should never "stereotype" your child, but that's who they are.
Ethan's second grade end of the year awards ceremony was yesterday so the whole family got dressed and ready to go. He was so excited to have us sit in a row together and cheer him on.
At 9:00 in the morning, the teachers began to come out one by one, announcing the achievements of their students. Ethan's teacher came to the podium and I squeezed Adam's hand, then reached for the camera.
Reading off the list of names for the "Perfect Attendance Award", Adam and I sat back a little, knowing that Ethan might be in the next category.
Beginning the list of the A/B Honor Roll, we sat back up and positioned ourselves for his walk across the stage. I held the camera up and pushed my right finger slightly down to get into focus. I wasn't going to miss a shot.
As the teacher began to read the list, she got closer and closer to his name. Feeling excitement and nervousness, I couldn't wait for our baby to get his award. (I hope he shakes hands and accepts his award with the right hands...I hope that he walks on and off the stage the right way...I hope he doesn't trip...I hope he isn't nervous...I hope that he...wait...WHAT?) She passed right by his name. He wasn't called and she was getting closer to the end.
Feeling my camera lower and my heart sink, I couldn't help but drop my jaw and look at Adam. His reaction matched mine. Completely stunned, he whispered, "Did you check his grades online before we came?" Slowly putting the camera in my lap I slouched down in my seat. "No...did you?!"
"NO! I thought YOU did?! We didn't even have to get everybody ready and come?! Ohhhhh, man...Ethan is going to be crushed."
Little Preston and Lauren Elizabeth began to climb over each other in the auditorium fold down chairs between us and big brother Christian leaned over to whisper, "Why didn't Ethan get called?"
Holding our fingers up to shoosh him, Adam and I gave each other one last look knowing how upset Ethan was going to be. He was so excited about the day.
His teacher began to announce the end of the last category for the "all A Honor Roll" - and we sat patiently wanting nothing more than to go give him a hug.
"Ethan" His name echoed from the microphone and Adam grabbed my wrist. Stumbling for the camera I almost dropped it on the floor.
We watched as Ethan took the stage with his little church shoes and khaki pants matching his new summer haircut. He beamed from ear to ear.
He's never scored a homerun or touch down that's made me want to scream "THAT'S MY BOY!" any more than he did right then.
Shaking hands and taking his award, he looked out to smile with the proudest look he's ever had.
My eyes welled as I clicked away...and I couldn't help but grin at the boy he's growing to be.
Going to get him after the ceremony, he held his award up yelling, "STRAIGHT A's! I got ALL A's for the whole year!"
His look of happiness and achievement, knowing that all of his hard work paid off...was nothing less than contagious.
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