I am not a strong swimmer

...Or in this case mathematician. Forget everything I ever thought or said about 13 year olds. Josh, there are still times that he does drive me nuts, but I feel like all of that got wiped away when I saw the interactions I saw tonight. Rowan's workload in middle school has been nothing to trifle with. He has something he needs to work on almost every night, and it is definitely weighing on him. (To be continued because I do feel like I need to meet with some teachers to see what accommodations can work for Rowan while still pushing him.) Rowan worked very hard on a recent math test, and he had told me afterward that he felt really good about it, only for his hopes to be dashed when he found out what he got. He came to me in tears yesterday, and it broke my heart. I talked to Josh about this later, because there have been many moments in the last few weeks where Josh has helped Rowan with his math homework. So, I asked him if he could help him again.

The U-Pick farm Mount Hood

 With the most patience, love, and encouragement Josh went through all of Rowan's homework with him. He got out our magnets to work with Rowan on the visual side of things, and continued to be innovative but, also allowing Rowan to work things out on his own. He was never short, he never made him feel bad if he got the answer wrong, but, simply invited to try again. I was blown away with him. With both of them. Rowan, working so hard, and being gracious to Josh for his time, and Josh. See, I am not a strong mathematician. Listen, I know some, but I am self aware enough to know I can't instruct.  Josh did this beautifully. It makes me feel so proud to have these kind of boys surrounding me. This is where I have gotten so lucky. I am allowed any credit?? I don't even know. I may not know a lot about math, but I know a lot about kindness, and I am so happy my kids have it.