A Great Day, but a sad day...

Last night we went to the final Lincoln Christian music concert. Jacob was in almost every group, as usual. The groups were very jazzed up and did a terrific job. The music leaders decided to hand out metals to all contest winners who recieved a superior rating during the year. Well, just at districts jake was 8 for 9 groups. He was loaded down, to say the least. Then they had certificates of participation for various things. Jacob had so many that he had an envelope. He lettered more than once, so he had an embroidered letter with a "Vocal" pin and a "Band" pin. He did not get one for orchestra because he wasn't in orchestra the whole year - being asked to help fill in in the percussion section before the Disney trip. He got a really cute pin for his participation in Disney contests also. Anyone know of a good display for all that stuff that would go on Jake's wall? Send me a link PLEASE!!

It was sad, too, because Jake is not returning to LCS next year and had to give up his spot in the Image group and all the others. Makes me want to cry. Mrs. Bond would like to give Jacob sax lessons and have him play with the band whenever he can. Not sure if that will work out. He has had such a wonderful year at LCS entirely due to the music programs. The leaders there are really wonderful, loving, accepting, supportive and gifted. There are definitely other wonderful things about LCS, but there is something about seeing Christian love and acceptance in action every single day- makes all the difference over the others who talk it or teach it, but really don't care to put any effort into doing it.

Jake has been wonderful about the decision. I know he is conflicted, but has been selfless in his immediate sacrifice when we sat him down and told him that we didn't think there was any way we could pay for LCS while paying for Matthew's college, mine and then Emma's next year. Unfortunely, when you have kids with learning difficulties you can just kiss scholarships goodbye - they will never "measure" up. We were very blessed with the Grace Scholarship Matthew received that covers his tuition and fees. We don't expect that for Emma.

Jake sat back and watched what happened at LCS when Emma was there. He learned very well the difference between an organization that is run and accepts what is truly "to the glory of God" and one that talks it, but is really controled by those who donate the money. At Norris the game is just different. Adults are much more accepting of differences, which can be good or bad depending on how well you are reaching your kids as a parent. But, the horrid judgemental, "My kids/family are more righteous than yours" is just not there. I doubt our family will be shunned because we have a daughter who is not mild or meek enough. I think Jake expects that none of his teachers at Norris will really give a hoot about him as a person. But, if he keeps his head down and ignores everything he can, he will be able to take advantages of the wider curriculum choices.

Jake is currently holding a 4.3 grade point average and has been 1/42 in class ranking. I think this is totally due to teachers who care about the whole child at LCS. They work with kids who are different, not just punish them for not fitting into the mold. They look for ways to help learning and growth of confidence and self-esteme. When Jacob has shown interest and excitement in areas like science, the teacher has let him run! I'm not sure Jake really knows how different Norris will be. I just hate the thought of seeing that confidence, excitement and vision of his future drop like a rock (as it did with the other kids at Norris).

But, seeing both sides of the fence really helped Matthew and Emma figure out who they want to be in life. Maybe God has a purpose in the things he has us go through - or maybe it just makes us feel better to hope that's true. Maybe some day we'll see an answer. Maybe not.