Jack graduated from preschool last night.
He had told me he was nervous when they first began practicing for graduation about having to be on the stage, but after a few practices, he decided he could do it, and that was that. The night of the graduation, he said the prayer before dinner. In his prayer he asked Heavenly Father to help him not be nervous and do a good job. It was sweet.
On the way to graduation something happened. MENTAL BREAKDOWN.
He informed us he would not get on the stage, and that he would be sitting with us. We did our best to alleviate his nerves, but nothing worked.
You see, when Jack decides he can't or won't do something, there is nothing you can do. There is not a thing in the world you can say, nor any amount of money you can offer--Nonna said she wasn't going higher than $20-- no delicious reward you offer for indulging in afterward that will change his mind. He is his own person.
When we arrived I took him inside hoping I could still sway him. With the rest of his friends getting their robes on, Jack refused to dress. I pleaded. He stayed firm. Back and forth, back and forth. Sigh. We went to find a seat to watch. Nonna and Pa both did their best to try and get him to change his mind, but it didn't work.
Mrs. Anne, the preschool director, came and asked Jack if he would be willing to just walk across the stage when they called his name. He wouldn't have to sing or even put on the gown or cap if he didn't want to. He willingly agreed like this was no big deal at all, and went back with his class.
He did not sing. He did put on a robe. He did not wear the cap. He did come up when they called his name. And he wants to be an Astronaut when he grows up.
Little Guy, I'm pretty sure you're going to do big things.
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