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Just got some good news, I’m teary, and I’d like to share a #thread since a lot of you are like family. This is especially for new parents.
So, today, our son’s transfer application to the University of Minnesota was accepted. He’ll start in January. We are truly #UMNPROUD.
4 years ago, I looked at #umn as a safety school … even though I graduated from there. I was the fathead dad of a kid w/A average & 34 ACT.
Our son is more like his mom - Carleton grad, stupendous achiever, wonderful person. Carleton, or something like it, was the stretch goal.
But life has a funny way of teaching lessons. Like some smart kids, our son got bored in school, did dumb stuff (never hurt others), crashed
Haven’t talked much about it, but experiencing this - horrified at how I must have contributed to the pressure - was why I left journalism.
I had that privilege. Also, my own mental health was at stake. Things began to turn around when our son moved out (we were supportive).
He took a gap year, did Americorps for a half-year, kept working (as he has since 14), supported himself. He was kind to us.
Finally, he applied to Mpls Community & Technical College. It was a huge step. I wondered if he would be challenged, or bored again.
I’ve raised $ for the state colleges; I know it’s a lifeline for many. But I never really thought it would be lifeline for us.
But here’s the thing: MCTC rekindled my son’s love of learning. Almost all instructors were GREAT. He took cool stuff like Women’s Studies.
Don’t you DARE piss on the liberal arts in my presence. My kid is a math whiz, but he needed to connect education to his lived experience.
ANYWAY, our son got restless for the next step. When I remember the kid who wouldn’t get out of bed for senior year, well, it was so cool …
So when he called me to tell me he got in, I cried. He couldn’t celebrate tonight because he’s phone baking for @raymonddehn. I cried again.
All this is a rather long way of saying that beautiful, loving kid you saw at 10, will likely be that adult on the other side of the fire.
And all your hopes of him or her living up to their potential hinge not on achieving what you think is the appropriate school or path …
… but on them living their life with the things you gave them. Forgive yourself, love them always, and you’ll likely feel happy tears. /fin
Just in case the coda wasn’t readable to those of you not following @raymonddehn 😀 
