Monday, March 10, 2008

Out of the Mouths of Babes - Part Deux


Sons #1 and #2 attended Boy Scout Merit Badge classes on Saturday. Son #1, who is speech impaired, selected Public Speaking. Now, I personally would have avoided it like the plague and I'm not speech impaired. But Son #1 was never one to shy away from a challenge.

As I was organizing his papers (I have to let our local troop know which badges he earned), I came across the note card that instructor handed out. One exercise was to introduce yourself and use three adjectives to describe you. Simple enough.

Here's - in part - what he wrote:

"I am intelligent, small and fidgety. I know a lot of things by reading books.
I don't have a clue why I'm small. My ADHD causes me to fidget..."


He is, of course, correct on all three accounts. His self-confidence never seems to amaze me. He's certainly faced his fair share of challenges (developmental delays, speech & language impairment, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, seizures among them). Yet he is who he is. And very accepting of himself.

He turns 13 in June. Looking back, I was nowhere near that self-assured at that age. He is proof positive that when God gives you challenges, He also grants you an abundance of graces to deal with them. We just have to tune into it.

8 comments:

Jennifer (mom of four) said...

What a great speech! Congrats to a confident almost 13 year old!

My oldest will be 13 in May. I can't believe I will have a teenager!! Holy Cow!

Elle*Bee said...

I know what you mean. I don't feel old enough to have a teenager. The sad reality is that I'm old enough to be a grandmother without a 'scandal' being involved. Yikes.

Did you notice my Etsy link? I have a measly two items listed. I need to refine my photo skills a bit more, but I figured if I didn't start now, I'd end up procrastinating and never doing it.

Shionge said...

How sweet Elle and yes kids are smarter and confident as compared to my time :D

Elle*Bee said...

So true, shionge!

Unknown said...

I grew up with a pretty severe speech impediment...and reading about your son reminded me of my own childhood...resilience is everything. And that tells me that you and your husband are great, supportive parents.

Toby Parsons said...

Wonderful Son!!! I think that what you are doing (staying home with your son) is far more of importance than the 2 college degrees you are not using. Good for you! :)

You are welcome to stop by my party as you have time! :)

Nadine said...

It seems you have imparted some good things in him for that kind of security.

Elle*Bee said...

Thank you, s, for sharing. He is certainly resilient (and persistent!). He's been receiving speech therapy through the school system, and privately for a while, since he was almost 3 and a half. He still struggles with several sounds, but the speed at which he talks is a big factor. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Thank you for the invite toby, I'll pop by.

Nadine, thank you for the kind words.