First Communion

Last Sunday Harry celebrated his First Communion. It was almost his Second Communion, but luckily Erick snatched the wafer out of Harry's hand (a few weeks ago) after the Pastor had given it to him thinking he was old enough. Pheww... Anyway, it was a very nice Spring day and we had family with us to witness the special event.

For Harry, the First Communion experience was a little bit disappointing. Sure he got new clothes and was the center of attention. Yes, he got to go out to a nice brunch and receive some presents. The disappointment came in that when he received the Communion meal he was given grape juice not wine. It was the first thing he said going back to sit down and I have heard about it many times since. I'm not sure what it says about my parenting that my son's anticipation of First Communion was more like being excited to turn "21". Oh well, we do our best, right?

When Becca had her First Communion, I established a tradition of having family and friends writing notes to her and putting them into a scrapbook for her to reflect on when times are hard and she feels unloved. I created a book for Harry too and below is the note I wrote to him...

Harrison-

When I think of what makes you special and different from others, I think of your drive and dedication to learn new things. You have always had a passion for learning, which I think will serve you well your entire life.

One thing that I want you to remember is that you don't have to learn new things overnight. Attaining new skills takes time and practice. You have a tendency to want to know how to do things "right now". When you were 4 years old and learning to write your whole name, you were very frustrated that you couldn't make your "W' in Rowe correctly. You told me (in a very serious 4 year old voice) that you were going to change your last name to "Rome". I explained that in time you would be able to make a "W" and I didn't think changing your name was necessary. And in time you learned...

At the tender age of 5, you began to play the piano. You have always had a love of music. When you were a baby, you loved watching the mobile above your cradle, while listening to the music it played. I can remember how frustrated you became when you first started playing the piano. It was hard to remember the notes, it was difficult to stretch your little fingers to play the chords, and it never seemed to sound like when your teacher played the song. And in time it became easier...

Over the last 11 years you have created high expectations for yourself. You set your goals high and you go after what you want. When you went to Clover Ridge Elementary, you set a goal of getting all A's (only A's no A-'s you said) and you achieved that by your second report card. Keep in mind that some goals might take longer to achieve than others. That doesn't mean you should get angry and give up. Remember to learn along the way. Losing and failing can sometimes provide the biggest life lessons. And in time you will succeed...

As you approach your teen years, it is important to remember the lesson learned in "The Tortoise and the Hare": Slow and steady wins the race. Life is not about how fast you learn how to do things, it is about HOW you do them. Do what you do with passion. Do what you do with a commitment to quality. Do what you do with a focus on how it will help others. Keep this in mind with school, with friendships, and also family. And in time you will understand...

My little boy is growing up!