So Jonny turned 14 today.
I can’t even begin to describe how proud I am of him.
Not just because he is a year older.
Not just because he won more school awards this year than I can remember…
Not even because he’s the best “Ausome” sibling a kid could ask for.
I am proud of Jonny because he has overcome more in his 14 years than many people will in their lifetime.
Four years ago, Jonny was so far behind academically at a school we had specifically transferred him for their developmental programs, that his teacher’s advice to further his education was for us to transfer schools again, because they “could no longer support his educational needs.”
So we did.
And it was the best decision ever.
This year, Jonny finished with Straight-A’s.
But that’s not what I’m most proud of.
This year, upon seeing the trash littering the school, Jonny and a friend decided they would use their own personal lunch time to pick up garbage, completely unprompted. Every day.
They slowly inspired others to join in.
This year on Earth Day, Jonny and his friend spearheaded a school-wide “campus cleanup day.”
They have a whole page dedicated to it in the yearbook.
But wait… there’s more!
This year, Jonny was invited to be on the Principal’s advisory committee, where students and teachers offer advice on how to make the school a better place. Jonny has apparently been very insightful, offering solutions on a problem with bullies.
“Maybe they just need a friend… or some attention.” ☺️
But my favorite reason why I am so proud of Jonny is this:
Have you ever “caught” your child being kind?
I was cleaning out Jonnys back pack and I found a Starbucks gift card along with a thank you note. I asked Jonny what it was for.
“Oh just something we did for [his friend].”
He was completely nonchalant about it, so I pressed him for details.
Well, apparently he or his friend took it on themselves to walk this classmate (who used a walker) from their classroom to the bus every day, making sure he made the elevators okay and holding open the doors for him.
Someone needed help. And he helped them.
Do you know what I’m most proud of?
Not that he did it, but that it wasn’t a big deal for him.
Not every student would take the time to do what Jonny did for this classmate (or ANY classmate), but Jonny did it every day without hesitation or expectation of anything in return.
And he didn’t see it as a big deal. Helping others was just part of his “school routine.”
That’s Jonny.
If there is ever an opportunity to volunteer for something, Jonny’s hand is the first in the air.
He has been volunteering as a door-greeter and handing out bulletins every month at church.
Every week, he has been volunteering at the food bank, getting up at 6am to hand food out to those less fortunate.
He wants to help others.
Jonny invited people to his birthday party he barely even knows. He invited teachers. He wanted to include as many people as he possibly could.
Jonny won the “Fabulous Falcon” award for this year, and you know what it was for?
It’s the trait I am MOST proud of in Jonny.
It was for his character.
(I can’t say I’m surprised.) ☺️
Happy 14th buddy. We love you and we are so proud of you.