I’m picking this up where I left off, as I celebrate Ryan turning ten.
Age six, kindergarten. His teacher told us over and over how quickly he learned, how well he retained information, how he spoke up in class with what he had learned from the books he devoured as fast as I could provide them. How he knew more about animals, science, and nature then any other student in the class. At the end of the year, he was given a school achievement award, picked by his teacher and principal as one of the three top students in the school.

Age seven, first grade. My husband was travelling full time on business, and it was just the boys and I except for every other weekend. It was hard, I was stressed a lot, and I came to depend more and more on Ryan’s help.

Age eight, second grade. Nathan started kindergarten that year, and we wanted to try a new school. It turned out to be a huge mistake, but Ryan made the best of the situation and still had a great year. In this photo, he’s wearing the vampire costume that I put together myself from clothes I found at the Salvation Army. Nathan is the Power Ranger.

Age nine, third grade, and the year I learned that my son was far more mature than I had thought. When Kaitlyn came, I spent months recovering from the c-section, tubal ligation and stomach flu. Ryan not only was willing to learn how to change diapers, fix bottles, feed and burp her, but he was enthusiastic about it. Chris and I both asked him to help so much, and he never complained about it. I don’t know, maybe it’s just mother’s pride and all ten year olds are like that, but I’ll tell you what, I think this kid is something special.

And now he is ten. I wish I had more time in the day just to stop and appreciate him for how terrific he really is. I am so proud of how much he has accomplished, and I know how lucky Chris and I are to have such a wonderful son.

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