Memorial Day

Recently, a long time poster on The Well Trained Mind boards was talking about how she doesn't really enjoy her older children. I tried to explain just why I really enjoy watching my children grow older but I know I failed miserably in my explanation. It's just not something you can really explain.

My 11 year old son is a pretty typical 11 year old. He's big, goofy, loud, ridiculous, obnoxious, spontaneous, funny, emotional, enthusiastic ... He's often a pain (especially with his brothers) but is often a joy to be around (especially when you're alone with him). I love watching the man emerge - seeing what he will be like someday.

Today was our Memorial Day parade. A parade is an exciting event in a town of 4,000 people. All my boys marched in the parade. I waited at the end of the parade route. It was great to see their smiling faces as they turned the corner and saw their mom. My oldest was carrying the state flag at the front of the Boy Scouts. He was leading cheers on his way through town - he'd start a cheer and all the boys would repeat it. He was having a great time.

After the parade there was a Memorial Day ceremony with the school band playing God Bless America, a prayer by the local minister and a speech by a soldier just returned from Iraq. I was surprised to see my son sitting in the chairs by the podium. The Scout Master announced his name and said that my son would be reading the 23rd Psalm. He approached the podium and clearly and slowly read the 23rd Psalm like he'd done it 100 times before (though he's probably never even heard it until today). I asked him later why he did the reading and he said that they needed someone to do a reading and he volunteered.

I was very proud.