Tuesday, November 15, 2016

year 6, and now we are 10 and a half

The new academic year begins and with it an chance to look back at what has been overcome, what has been achieved in the past 12 months. St Chris has been exactly the right thing for Zack, and their approach has been a gift to our family. In so many ways, we are experiencing the joy of 'normal' family interaction. Not normal for all, but a new normal for us: one where we aren't walking on egg-shells the entire time waiting for Zack to blow a fuse and ruin it all. I took the boys away for a week in the summer to Gloucestershire and it was a really good break - just the 3 of us. The boys coped well, and loved visiting friends with dogs and small babies. Having their attention directed elsewhere. We will be returning to Gloucestershire this weekend for a christening. I am expecting the same. Which only shows that the changes HAVE been internalised, for which I am grateful, grateful, grateful.
Zack has made enormous headway. New teacher, new academic year, all an improvement. He still has struggles, but he is hugely empathetic, thoughtful, kind, considerate, and pure gold in many ways. Every time I am faced with the latest revelation from the "old school", I'm encouraged that it was the right decision. Zack is not run-of-the-mill, he is not like the majority. He needs a different approach. Even now, when his routine is disrupted, it affects him greatly. Yes, less than it did before, but I see him 'disrupted' when things aren't as they aught.
He's growing up quickly, becoming more adolescent, aware of his body, his feelings. He's so keen to be tall, as big as me. He desperately wants to be grown up, have big feet to match his big body. He is beautiful, and in time will be a beautiful man: sensitive, intelligent, kind and wonderful. It is such a journey though, and so many hurdles and challenges to face, so much wisdom required to discern and grow.