As I watch his hulking, 6 ft 4 frame bounce towards the outstretched hands of well wishers, I am really seeing a little boy who loves popsicles and legos, who likes to have story time with his mom, watch cooking shows, and be excited over garlic tools for his birthday. I see a 5 year old that was so painfully shy he would hide behind my legs at family parties so as to not have to engage people in chit chat. (He still cannot tolerate bullcrap conversation).
I see a young man, so special, good, and funny, that he moved his third grade teacher, Mr. Calendar, to tears trying to describe his potential and his gratitude for having him in class.
I see a young man in his struggle to be who he is as opposed to what countless people are telling him he should be and having the vision and courage to stand up for himself and what he believes in.
I see a man...beginning his journey without his mom.
I also see relief for the mom who no longer has to call and haul his butt out of bed to make sure he doesn't have another un excused absence. I see her pride that he has earned a SCHOLASTIC DIPLOMA because, truly, he is a badass. I see a mom missing her son and their shared love of all things ridiculous, of lying in bed watching the Big Bang Theory, of reading The Best of Craig's List and listening to jokes that one should really not tell their mom. I see a mom pretending to be asleep when her very responsible son makes it home before curfew because she cannot sleep until he is home safe but doesn't want him to know it. I see a mom, kicking her son out into the world, watching with pride and crying as she does it.
I love this boy....man. Well done Jakey. I believe in you. XO
