Owens class was asked to help with Jr Primary last week at church. When they were handing out the task of giving the talk Owens hand shot up in the air and asked to do it. Our Secretary asked Owen if he would like another try at it (remember last year?) He said he was ready and when he came home and showed me the sicker he had with his assignment his face was glowing. It was going to be great we all could tell. Daddy back home to help, little brother sitting in the front row to cheer him on, and me standing in the back for his eyes to stay focused on, it was a recipe for success! We practiced. He was always smiling, talking loudly, clearly, he memorized the 1st Article of Faith . . . success I say success. He sat in his "talk" chair anxiously waiting for his turn. I was conducting that day and as his turn came I passed the mic over and he stood up looked out at the crowd of 70 (we have a HUGE primary) and then crouched down and hid in the podium. It was the sweetest thing he told Brock he was nervous but still wanted to give the talk but his nerves just wouldn't allow it he tried one more time gave the first word of his talk and started to cry a bit and said he couldn't do it, his stomach was hurting him. All the leaders thought it was the sweetest thing seeing him WANT to give the talk but just not ABLE to. I could relate so much with him. I was the same way when I was little. I cried at every birthday party because I didn't like the attention of everyone looking at me. We are crazy but at least I know he'll one day get over it, it might be in another 15 years but it will come one day.
In more impressive news. Owens teacher made a point to seek me out today to let me know how impressed she is with Owen and his abilities. She said he is reading EVERYTHING she puts in front of him, how awesome it is to see him accelerate so quickly, and how he is far beyond his classmates (she'll be sending him to 1st grade to read with him in the next week or so to see how he does). Then as we are going to bed last night Owen busts out with the alphabet backwards with the corresponding sound for each letter, what the? A fun little trick they are learning at school he says. Ok. So although Owen may have my social anxiety, he has his dads brains. He loves school and learning and when we see kids from school he is so excited to chat with them. He feels confident when it comes to school he knows he's got brains. I hope that confidence continues to grow so he can see himself as I see him. A perfect child who can do anything.
