Sunday, December 6, 2015

History Lesson DIY


I have always really loathed History. Even though some is kind of cool, it has bored me quickly. I have faked enthusiasm for my dear Grand-dad's stories and not learned a thing. I cannot remember important dates in my own history let alone in our great country. I, until this year, have gladly brushed this under my neatly swept pottery barn rug. Because who really needs to know what date WWII began or ended on and Where or Why, to get through life anyway. 



Now I have had some wonderful and brilliant teachers in my educational career. It is not their fault I have fell short in this area. I honestly do not even know where or when my distastes began. I really thought I would feel this way in regards to history for my entire earthly existence, and that was totally fine by me. 



However, nine years ago God gave me this son. He has changed my life in ways that seriously only God could explain. He has stretched not only my stomach to the point of no return but also my mind.  It took me a good 2 years to even realize what I was in for, another 2 years to harness this power for good. But the past 4 years the ride has been wild, fun, fast, furious but also extremely insightful and totally delightful. His modo, What is the point of fun if you learn nothing?



This most recent turn of events in which I have to remind myself to NEVER say NEVER! Like EVER! has been such a humble realization for me. This boy LOVES his history. I have willingly jumped in with all my clothes on and the water is cold!  I should have seen it coming. The non-fiction books, the refusal to entertain anything that was not truth, fact, proven, researched and written down, the disbelief in things of utter nonsense. Here I was trying to prolong the tooth fairy, the Santa, The freaking Elf, the Disney Darth Vader Magic. And there he was saying, "you realize that these things are not documented as proven people with dates in history nor have they had any impact on our world or country in the way of forward thinking" Doh! 



So I started paying attention. I started to listen,  to read with him, and God opened my eyes to what a rich and ridiculously cool history we have. As a family, as a nation, as a Universe, the path we have traveled to arrive at this current footprint is fascinating.  



So sorry professor so and so, but this 9 year old has got you beat when it comes to lesson! I have learned more in the past year than perhaps my entire 16 years in the institution. I remember speaking to his soon to be 3rd grade teacher at the end of last year and asking what the big research project would be on. Her response of American History received an eye roll and “ugh, boring” from me the MOM! Well goodness, I am sorry and boy has my tuned changed! I am so looking forward to seeing what J and his classmates teach me! Also, a huge apology to my Grand-dad, I knew those stories where so important and while I loved your sarcasm and the morals you eventually taught with them, I really wish I would have paid attention to the dates, the actual history of your activities. Perhaps we can discuss this when I meet up with you again. I know Jonah is looking forward to sitting down with you and hashing out the facts.



So, when my boy tells me that he is intent on being the one to win the Veterans day poetry read and speak at the assembly, I obviously believe him and have zero doubt of his success.  But time had gone on, and just today I started to panic that I would be picking up the pieces of his broken heart once the winner was reading their poem come Friday.  After his research and enthusiasm to learn more about our countries Vets and Branches of service…he would be crushed for sure.  But then I got this email. From the very woman who received my eye roll and boring comment last year. “Jonah is the K-3rd winner for Veterans day Poetry”

I cried. Also, I smiled. I am humbled by this man.