Courage

                                                                   

Jack's studying DNA in science right now and often talks about 'inherited traits' these days.  It's quite fascinating when you think about it.  Physical traits are often the most noticeable traits passed on from generation to generation - but sometimes, just sometimes, other traits show up from time to time that we can't always 'see' with our eyes. 

One trait that Jack has inherited from me is his ability to write.  I am not talking about handwriting, but his ability to craft a meaningful piece of writing.  There are many, many things that I do not do well - but I can write.  And I enjoy it.  I should write more but there's many things I should do more and I just don't.  Maybe one day. 

I remember volunteering in his class in 2nd grade during writing time and I'd sneak a peek at what jack was working on and thinking to myself, "Gosh- is this normal 2nd grade work?"  He always wrote complex sentences, used lots of figurative language (properly) and his writing had meaning and clarity.   Even his spelling back then was on point.  I would work with other kids and it was clear to me that he was off the charts when it came to writing.  

Sadly teachers these days don't focus on writing much anymore - it's more technical and purposeful and the days of creative writing just aren't around much anymore.   But from time to time he'll write a piece that he's proud of and share it with me.  

Like this one: 

(Back story - Jack's English and Social Studies teachers often work hand-in-hand with their curriculum.  Jack was given the topic of women's suffrage and asked to write a poem.  He first wrote it in third person and his teacher challenged him to write it in first person).

Courage

We (Women) have been doubted

Yet we stand so tall

That takes courage

And we will not fall

Courage takes heart

But don’t ever give up

As time will pass

We hope to gain luck

We have been worrying

For large amounts of time

But you just stay put

Cause you will be fine

Hard work pays off

If we put in the effort

Going through troubles

Will make us a lot better

In the end

We look back at our worries

Yet all we see

Is that we kept going

When we were babies

Starting to get nourished

It was just the beginning

Of our whole life of courage

Jack Milligan

~~~~~

All Jack's words. His thoughts. His feelings.
To say I am proud of him is an understatement.

To quote his baseball coach this spring: "He's the man!"

Speaking of baseball- Jack is the #1 pitcher and starting shortstop this spring. He's worked hard and deserves this. So proud. May be his last season ever in this roll starter/leader roll so he better enjoy it!

Until next time....