Graduations galore

Son#1 graduated high school this weekend. Daughter#1 is graduating eighth grade on Tuesday. Both of them have faced many challenges on their journey so far, as I have talked about from time to time. Son#1 received Magna Cum Laude, something I never achieved. I couldn't be prouder of him. I think he was the only person who was Magna cum Laude, but not in the National Honor Society. I'll talk al little about what that does and doesn't mean below the fold, as well as what's going on with Daughter#1.

I almost didn't make it to the National Honor Society. In my case, the deficiency was likely character, in particular the showing of respect for my sophomore Geometry teacher. I’m sure the decision was justified; I was often contemptuous toward perceived incompetence as a teenager. I was finally admitted as a senior. By contrast, I hear nothing but positive comments about Son#1’s attitude. By contrast, I can only imagine Son#1 was not considered to show service. He didn’t join any clubs, volunteer to play in any extra bands, etc. He pretty much just went to school and came home, or went to work, after classes were over. I think that’s a part of his condition. Part of the reason to join clubs is to spend time with people who enjoy doing the same things, but Son#1 has very little need to spend time with other people. He likes being helpful and he likes being praised, but he doesn’t really care about social interactions. In some ways, that might make him a permanent outsider.

Daughter#1 has recently (last February) started a medication (Abilify). It has made a huge difference in her attitude and her ability to learn. She is already starting to spend more time in a mainstream classroom (in this case, to pass the Constitution test). You can even tell the days she forgot her pill from the days she has taken it. She’s more alert, more cheerful, calmer, and more responsive to her surroundings. CharityBrow and I couldn’t be happier with the results. We’ll see if it keeps up.