Last Week of Fourth Grade

Today I went to your school gymnasium to watch the local Kiwanis give your entire class certificates for bringing up at least one grade. All the kids managed to do it, and six kids were chosen as super bugs because of great grades and a helpful attitude.

During the assembly, I sat with Ava and didn't really talk to anyone else. Mostly I convinced Ava that she didn't need to go to the bathroom, and I watched you sitting on the floor with the rest of your class. You wore a blue t-shirt, and your buzz cut was growing out a bit. On the way back from getting your certificate, you did a happy shuffle-walk thing that made me smile.

Afterward, as I walked down the crowded hallway to leave, someone behind me touched my arm. I turned and was for some reason surprised to see you. You smiled and said, "Hi, Mom." I raised my hand to wave and said, "Hey, great job, Ben!"

You didn't hear me, though. You were already heading down the corridor, making your way among the throng of kids.