It’s a wrap. 7 years flew by and we have a grade school graduate. Middle school, here we come!
As we sat in the gym waiting for T’s Grade 5 graduation ceremony to begin, I thought about how he had spent 2/3 of his life inside this building.
A building that became a home away from home, a community, and an environment that nurtured his learning and growth.
I thought about the incredible teachers and supports who guided him.
I reflected on this challenging past year – largely due to obstacles caused by a bully of a principal.
But despite the challenges, I felt grateful for the many positive moments: his first sight words and books reads, surviving pandemic virtual schooling, cross country meets, his party to celebrate his 10th birthday, co-emceeing his holiday concert.
I still tear up thinking about his Grade 3 teacher inviting the Surrey Place to speak to his class about children of all abilities.
It’s easy to dwell on things that don’t go as planned. I choose to close this chapter by focusing on the many moments when things clicked – and to let go of disappointments, anger, sadness, regret.
At the end of each school year, I look forward to receiving T’s schoolwork and sorting them.
I like to keep highlights of each school year – assignments, tests, artwork.
The hubby came across this charming art (above) of a box of markers that T drew.
Something about it made us smile. It was sunny, funny and reminded us of who T is at his core: kind, funny, caring, creative and compassionate.
T received this lovely card below from his child youth worker – who was new to the school, after T’s previous CYW retired one month into the year after a heinous situation caused by the principal.
Reading the CYW’s message made me smile:
Last fall, T completed a psychological assessment process led by the school board – and received a formal identification of a learning disability.
As part of the process, we had to work with T to complete a series of self assessment surveys.
One of the questions asked T if he ever worried about what others thought about him.
T immediately said out loud, “No, I don’t. Just be myself.”
I still smile thinking about how he said that so quickly and matter of factly.
The hubby and I have been slowly putting up artwork around the house – as part of a slow home renovation journey that began when we moved in 7 years ago.
The artwork pictured above was a recent addition to our family room wall: T’s charming markers artwork, blown up in size and framed nicely.
I see sunshine and joy when I look at this on the wall. I feel and hear T’s personality and energy.
I see his true colours shining through.
Photo at top: Visiting the Jardins de Métis in the town of Rimouski in Quebec from our summer 2026 family roadtrip (more on this in future posts).
My Life With T 
Congratulations to all! Onward and upward!
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Congratulations to T on this milestone. I look forward to hearing about his continued success in middle school.
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Hard to believe T is heading off to middle school in the fall! Glad to hear that despite some of the challenges (and challenging person) that there were a lot of positive moments and things to celebrate. What a sweet message from the CYW. LOVE that you framed T’s artwork and hung it up! Hope you’re enjoying your trip so far!
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What a wonderful note from the child youth worker. You never know, but these are the kinds of things that might make T contemplate a similar career someday.
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T sounds like an awesome, amazing, young man (almost). My mother’s family came from Rimouski, QC. I hope it was a great holiday destination for all of you! 💞
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The markers artwork is the kind that will put a smile on everyone looking at it. I love the bright colors and the fun energy of it. It’s funny how T has no hesitation to say out loud that he doesn’t worry about what others think of him. I wish T lots of joy, happiness, and growth during middle school!
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Congrats to T!! What a milestone! Here’s to the next chapter. I’m sure many grand adventure lie ahead. Also, I absolutely love that markers art, and love even more that you’ve had it framed and hung.
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Congratulations to T amd of course to you both for completing this leg of journey. Love, love the markers! Quebec was our original plan this summer that changed into Colorado 🤣 Rockies so eagerly awaiting your roadtrip blog! Hats off to your family once more. The journey is hard but when we see results they are sweet and that is what gives us the energy.
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My thoughts are with guys all the time and anticipating this transition has been one while reading about T’s growth. You all are in my prayers for this new journey.
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I don’t want to scare you Ab, but when I think of my kids I still think of them as T’s age. They were all in elementary school. I looked up and they’re all are in their 20s now. How the heck did that happen? Ha, ha. Especially when I’m still only 25 or even 30 years old myself? Ha, ha. Time flies. By the way, love the artwork. That’s such a cool thing to do. It makes a house a home. Congrats to T!!!!
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Excited for T to see what is ahead in his life as these next years unfold 🙂
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Congratulations T. That artwork is a sure winner. He is artistic Ab. And it it just right that you framed it. Middle school is waving….Goodluck T.🥰
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I’m so happy to see the “marker art” framed and showcased…your comment about it gave me tingles. So good, Ab!
“Something about it made us smile. It was sunny, funny and reminded us of who T is at his core: kind, funny, caring, creative and compassionate.”
Absolutely beautiful — words and image! 💝💝💝
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