Endings, beginnings, and lots of fun stuff in between

Well, the last couple of weeks have been busy and I can see the summer light at the end of the tunnel.  We recently had my son's first PASS testing period- which is the state assessment tests for SC.   He was only a little nervous and mainly about the actually test itself, rather than the material on it.  After the first day (which was math, his favorite and best subject), he took it all in stride.   He also had soccer tryouts and have started making plans for summer.  I'm really proud of him and marvel at how much he has grown this year.  I, on the other hand, have also grown- but in an unexpected way. 

The last couple of weeks has given me a huge reality check as a mom.  For so long, I have held his hand and helped him out with so many things, but during this last week with testing and tryouts, I had to trust his abilities and let go, in a sense.  He is an independent, smart kid and it's not the first time he has done things without assistance.  Its just that with testing (especially the state tests), I realized he was truly on his own.  Parents aren't allowed in their kids' hallways during the testing periods and the conference room where they store the testing material is uber-secure.  Of course, I made sure he had a great breakfast everyday, talked about the upcoming subjects if he wanted to, made sure we played to relieve any stress, and made sure he got plenty of quality sleep.  In other words, I did all I could as a mom.  But then it was all him.  Now, I am sure he did great, but it's a bit sobering when you realize for the first time your baby has to face something completely on his own.  You can review things with them and sooth any nerves they have, but you have to have faith that they are prepared.  

During this same week, Case also had his two-day tryouts for his club soccer team.  Now, this isn't nearly as serious as the testing, but it still is a big deal as the kids get placed on teams based on their abilities etc.  But again, I had to let him shine on his own.  Parents stay on the sideline and the coaches run everything.  He absolutely loves his club and the teams and coaches are phenomenal, many with collegiate, professional, and European/International experience.  And let's face it, there's not much cooler than talking soccer with guys that have heavy English, Irish, German, or Australian accents, lol!  Since Case still plays U-10, the teams are pretty equal; but the coaches still evaluated the players during drills etc. and yet again, it was his moment to perform independently.  I had to again believe I had done my job and that he was prepared.  He, of course, did great and was very satisfied with his effort.  It also provided a great stress release and confidence builder for him during the PASS testing phase.  It's kinda cool to hear kids from all different schools that know each other from the club talking about the PASS tests because they all were taking the same ones, lol! 

And now as we head into summer and the end of academic-related things and sports tryouts, I must face the next step in my mommy-dom- the overnight weekend soccer camp.  I am signing him up with his buddies from the club today and although it's close, secure, and he'll be rooming with his friend, I will still worry.  But I have faith I have prepared him for this next step and he will blossom in some new-found independence and the further realization of the faith we have in him.  Guess it's all a part of being a good mom.  Now, if I can just be sure he'll take a shower everyday after practice at camp......