Writing from the Heart
  • Home
  • My Story
  • My Writing
    • Published Articles
    • Favorite Writing Books
  • My Blog
  • Contact Me

Think Big

5/2/2017

0 Comments

 
The middle school years can be tough. Tough on kids – and tough on moms. Today I’m sharing a story about my soon-to-be-high-school-graduate during some of her difficult days of middle school. Hopefully this will be an encouragement to all of the middle school mamas out there. This too shall pass. I’m sure of it.  

Emily slammed the back door and flung her backpack to the floor. “I am so tired of being the shortest kid in my class.”
 
“What happened?”
 
“We picked teams for volleyball in PE today,” she said. “Like always, I was the last one picked.” 
 
Normally, I’d say something about “being a late bloomer” or maybe remind her to “be patient because everyone grows at their own rate.” Instead, I tried a lighter approach.
 
“Well, that’s what I call saving the best for last!”
 
“Seriously Mom, I can barely reach the net – let alone spike a ball over it!”    
 
“You know, it doesn’t matter how you look on the outside. It’s what’s on the inside that counts.”
 
Emily sighed. “You always say that.” She picked some pink nail polish off her finger. “I just feel, you know, like nothing special.”.
 
A week later, Emily was discouraged again. This time we were at the mall.
 
“I don’t like it.” Emily stared in the department store mirror, shaking her head.
 
“I think it looks cute,” I said, tilting my head to the side. 
 
“Mom, I’m not wearing ruffles or bows to my Christmas program.”

I couldn’t blame her. Most of her friends wore trendy clothes from the junior department, but Emily couldn’t fit into those sizes yet.
 
I glanced down at the shoes she had snatched from a display. “Oh Em, those heels look tough to walk in.”
 
“They’re fine.” She took a couple of wobbly steps. I exhaled. This girl would try anything to look taller.
 
The school year went on, Emily worked hard on her schoolwork. She was respectful to her teachers and kind to her classmates. Every now and then she still had bad days, but I did my best to encourage her. 
 
“Em, you’re a good student and a great kid.” Emily rolled her eyes but I kept talking anyway. “You just need to be the best Emily you can be. You're going to accomplish great things.”
 
I know she heard me; I just wasn’t sure she believed me. Then one day, toward the end of the school year, Emily’s principal called.
 
“I’ve got some exciting news,” she said. “Emily was chosen to receive the Illinois Principal’s Association Student Leadership Award.”
 
“Okay?” I began, “I’m actually not familiar-”
 
“It’s a program our school participates in every year. All of the students vote for one boy and one girl based on behavior, strong character, leadership skills and academics.”
 
I couldn’t help but smile. “So, Emily’s classmates picked her?”  
 
“Yes, they did. It was actually a landslide.”
 
I thanked the principal and hung up the phone. How about that? Emily’s classmates saw something in her she didn’t see in herself.  
 
Later that day Emily dashed through the back door. “Did you hear, Mom? Did my principal call?”
 
“Yes, she did,” I said. “And I am so proud of you!”   
 
Emily’s face beamed. It didn’t matter if she was the smallest kid in her class. On that day, she finally realized that her classmates looked up to her.
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Like me on Facebook!
    Follow Blog via Email

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner


    Archives

    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    May 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013

    Categories

    All
    Attitude
    Contentment
    Farm Memories
    Fear
    Friendship
    Glimpses Of God
    Gratitude
    Guest Posts
    Guest Posts
    Lessons From My Kids
    Marriage
    MS
    Parenting/Motherhood
    Patience
    School Visits
    Writing Journey

    Picture

    I am a member of COMPEL Training

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.