“Scholar Phase…Is a time to study long hours, to work hard at learning because you love it, to ponder, think, read, write, listen, discuss, debate, analyze and learn. It is the time to lose your life in study–and if it doesn’t happen in youth, it is very difficult to recreate later.” ~ Oliver DeMille, A Thomas Jefferson Education, page 34
People wonder…
a lot…
about whether or not…
students…
really study.
For long hours.
Consistently.
Joyfully.
Regularly.
Two weeks ago…
I needed…
to make…
a Target run…
on the way…
to another destination.
I grabbed my cart…
Sons #2, #4, and #5…
before heading…
towards specific areas…
to procure…
the desired items.
No…
this wasn’t…
a leisure trip.
At least…
not entirely.
Sons #4 and #5…
had dog sitting cash…
that they had designated…
for these.
They’re the latest…
in the LEGO world.
You pick a character…
in the Ninjago series…
and do battle…
in a ring.
More on that…
another day.
Son #2…
is no longer with me.
No need to panic.
He’s certainly capable…
of self governance!
This was what I saw…
upon backtracking.
Yes, indeed…
dear readers!
To the right…
of the laundry products…
stands an honest-to-goodness…
deeply engrossed…
committed-to-study…
no-matter-where…
youth!
Me: “What are you doing?”
#2: “Reading.”
Me: “Thank you, Captain Obvious!”
#2: “Look, I’m in the middle of a scene.”
Me: “Is that one of your Great Books?”
#2: “Yes. A Shakespeare volume…
to be exact. Is there a problem?”
Me: “No, I guess not.”
Here’s the kicker…
oh Great-and-Powerful-Mentor…
that I Am (Not!)
Me: “Try to keep up.”
What?!
Clearly…
the seasonal heat…
is getting to me!
Most people…
would be doing a back flip!
Thankfully…
(and I do…
sincerely mean that)
Sons #1-#5…
know me.
Well.
Study this shot…
very carefully!
If you do…
you will see…
the action involved.
Hint: The right foot is moving.
Yes…
God is merciful…
when I am obtuse!
Son #2 casually…
began to saunter behind!
Within moments…
he had disappeared again.
Later…
upon completing…
my personal shopping…
(they don’t refer to me…
as a dynamic…
well-thought mentor…
for nothing, by golly!)
Here is where I found him.
Household Furnishings.
Appropriate.
He never missed a beat.
#2: “Ready?”
Me: “Yes.
Did you finish your scene?”
#2: “What?
I’m sorry…
I was listening…
to the play while reading.
Were you saying something?”
Me: “Not really.”
Oh Great-Mentor-
with-the-half-full-Target-cart!
A few days later…
he informed me…
that he had officially…
completed…
a substantial goal.
He had finished…
The Complete Works of Shakespeare.
He just has…
some sonnets to go.
I texted him…
recently one evening.
Me: “On my way home.
Doing anything fun?”
#2: “Why yes.
I’m writing.
Me: “About what?”
#2: “Shakespeare.
My thoughts…
some comparisons…
goals…
dreams.”
There was an evening…
of dialoguing…
as well.
I understand…
when people say…
“I love…
the book…
“A Thomas Jefferson Eduation…
BUT…
I’m scared…
nervous…
afraid to fail…
think I’ll wreck my kids.”
I get it.
Have had…
those feelings…
myself!
Hopefully…
you’ll persist.
Swallow pride…
banish fear…
trust…
that Oliver DeMille…
didn’t just write…
some nifty hopes…
in a 191 page book.
Because he didn’t.
The principles work.
I’ve got kids…
pictures…
and bags from Target…
to prove it!
You can do this!
Press On!
Love this post Teri! Gives me hope and makes me smile
Blessings,
Carolyn
[Reply]
He’s so cute. Really. Cute. I look forward to those moments. If only Vivien was a bit older . . . .okay . . I know . . .that’s pathetic. She’s smitten with Son #3 anyway.
[Reply]
Teri Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Exactly. I’m glad we had this moment…and that you came to your senses! ;0)
[Reply]
Love this post. I have 3 in LOL, the oldest is moving into Transition, and I can’t wait for these experiences myself!
[Reply]
Teri Reply:
July 19th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
They will be here before you know it! XO, ;0)
[Reply]