I See Your True Colours Shining Through

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, FASD, gratitude, growth mindset, love, Parenting, Positive Parenting, Positive Thinking, schoolTags:, , , , ,

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).

36 thoughts on “I See Your True Colours Shining Through”

  1. Congratulations on T’s graduation and transition into Middle School. That is a lovely note from his Child Youth Worker, and I love that you framed his colorful and creative artwork.

    I am sending lots of good wishes for a wonderful Summer as T gets ready for his next school year.

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    1. Thank you LaDonna. The note was so nice to receive and T got a sweet card from his grandparents this week too. 😊

      Our summer has been great and so relaxed – it’s 10:45 and he’s still in bed. Starting to be a teenager already! 🤣

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    1. Thank you, Belle. Onward and upward indeed.

      I feel like this summer is just flying by. Two weeks already into it. Hope you’re having a good one! 😊

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  5. 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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    1. Thanks Linda! 😊 We got back from Quebec on Monday and have the rest of the week as a staycation. It was wonderful! Cooler weather, no bugs and some incredible scenery and wildlife! I think you will love it when you visit. Such a scenic and beautiful drive along the coast.

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      1. Welcome back! Glad to hear you had a fantastic trip and that the weather cooperated. Can’t wait to hear more about it. I’m counting down the days to August. But at the same time, hoping they don’t come too quickly because by the time we get back from our trip, summer will be nearly over.

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    1. Thanks Pete! Ya know, the funny thing is I was thinking T could very well pursue a career in working with kids one day. He certainly would have an invaluable perspective! 😊

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    1. Thanks AnneMarie. It’s just flying by way too fast! 😊

      We had an amazing time in Quebec. It is so beautiful. I highly recommend it if you’ve never been. From Rimouski to Matane and then Gaspe Peninsula. We are really blessed in Canada!

      I’m daydreaming about Manitoba next summer!

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      1. That is great! I love Manitoba. I was born there (Russell), movdd to Souris when I was e weeks old), lived up in Thompson for a year or so just after I graduated, and have visited Winnipeg a few times. Always have a memorable in Winnipeg!

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      2. Very cool to know about your connection to Manitoba. I know so little about Manitoba and I look forward to researching it and learning more – my favourite part of a roadtrip!

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  8. 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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    1. Thanks Bama! It’s not gonna win any art awards, but for us, it just so perfectly captures T’s personality and it makes me smile every time I walk by it. 😊

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  9. 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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    1. Thanks Erin. We’re looking forward with cautious optimism at what lies ahead. But for now, lots of fun and relaxation this summer. It does feel like it’s flying by so quickly already! 😊

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  10. 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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    1. Thanks Ganga! 😊

      I’ll eventually share my Quebec trip – I’m so slow with blogging these days – and I highly recommend it. It was beautiful! And I know your family will enjoy it too.

      Colorado is on my wishlist and so many other parts of the US, like Yellowstone and Utah and Oregon. But I will wait until changes to the administration before a visit. Hopefully soon! 😊

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    1. Thanks Tammy. I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers. It makes a difference and even from the far distance, I do feel like they are received. 😊

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  12. 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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    1. Thanks Brian. I think T will always be a kid to me. The same way my Ma still babied me at times and I see it with my in laws and hubby too. It’s what makes us parents endearing to our kids. 😊

      I just love that marker artwork. I smile every time I walk by it.

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  15. 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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    1. Thanks Vicki! 😊 I smile every time I walk by the artwork. We have amassed quite a few. While they’re not gonna win any art award soon, they hold a special place in our hearts – and make us, as you said, tingle. 🥰

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