Graduation

I remember hoping, back in 2001 as my oldest was getting ready for first grade, that he would have good teacher. That he would have a teacher who challenged him, pushed him, and taught him. Long before this blog, on Air Time the Newsletter, I remember writing a poem about hopes that I had for my oldest. I don't think these thoughts are unique; I would be surprised if every parent didn't have the same hopes and fears when sending their oldest to first grade.

Over the course of his elementary education I have not been a hands-on parent. I have tried to get out of going to almost every teachers conference, and tried to avoid the ridiculous programs that they try to get parents to come to. Sometimes I have been able to get out of it, other times I suffered through the productions, hoping to sit next to someone who I could talk to, always pissing Veev off with my indifference to the event and my desire to be home.

But tonight is different. I think that graduating sixth grade is an accomplishment, much more so than my daughter's graduation from Gan later this week. Hi graduates at the top of his class, a position he held before Aliyah, and one that is a much greater accomplishment than beforehand, as he is performing in a stellar manner in his second language.

I'm sure, as the proceedings drag on, I will pray for deliverance from the room in which I am emprisoned. And yet, I look forward to being there, watching him graduate, and seeing him finish his elementary education.