This week, something terrible happened in Connecticut and unless you live under a rock, you know what I am talking about. This tragedy was something that, when I learned of it, I knew I would have to talk to Alex about. Not only were these his peers, but it was in a setting much like his own favorite place to be: School. Parents might ask me why I would ever want to talk to my child about this, and it is because of my open communication with him that we have such a good relationship. I don't lie about things, but I also did not go into gory detail.
How I explained to him what happened was this: I told him this man that did this, was nothing more than an extremely violent bully. We can't let bullies scare us from doing anything we want to in life, including going to school. I told him that some kids his age were not going to be coming home from school today, but the adults at the school did everything they could to protect them, just like the adults at his school do everything to protect him and the other students.
I am not letting him look at Facebook with me for a while, just because of all of the posts about it. While I think one post saying that your thoughts are with the family is ok, multiple postings about it (even pictures throwing in religious or political beliefs, showing pictures of the gunman or looking him up) is just going too far to me. Multiple exposures like that only incite more fear and anger, and give fame to someone who really doesn't deserve it.
Hopping off of my soap box, here are some Alex pictures!
Playing in the snow: One of his favorite things!
Making shapes!
iPad station, undoubtedly his favorite station!
Making his own artwork!
This week they did a BOATLOAD of things! They learned about Hanukkah Christmas in Germany, and they had their Holiday Concert! The Holiday concert was a success for Alex because he did both afternoon and evening concerts, he sang with the whole school for the finale in the afternoon concert, and didn't even mind that I took a video of him! He did feel the need, however, when I took a picture of him, to make a funny face, which showed how comfortable he was with his friends up there! He danced, sang, and went to bed one really tired little boy.
We also went to see the Rotary Lights, which Alex loved. He liked the part where the lights matched the music playing, and was turning his head every which way to try and take in everything. This was another night where he came home, and was extremely tired.
Then Saturday. A few major things happened on Saturday, that are all really good things for our family.
I walked across the stage and received my undergrad degree, my Bachelors of Science degree, and could not be happier about this 4 1/2 year journey! Alex wasn't feeling the greatest (after a very busy week), so he stayed with my friend Shaynan at Grandpa's house. And since this happened, I got this:
Tony even asked Alex if he could give it to me, and of course Alex was all for it. So this morning, I sat with Alex and explained to him what this means, why it is exciting, and that there will be a party for it! I explained to him that this means that Tony's family and our family are going to be connected through us, and he will have a whole new side of family. I am so lucky to have Tony and Alex in my life. I also explained to him that this means that I am going to find a job, and start planning the big party.
I have already been accepted to the University of Florida for their online Forensic Science Masters program. The technical name is Masters of Pharmaceutical Science, Forensic Science Concentration. I am also getting a certificate in Forensic Toxicology, just to spice things up a bit.
Alex had a great week. Our whole little family had a great week! This next week will be a bit less hectic, give me time to hopefully slow down for the first time in 4+ years, and then we will be getting ready for Christmas. Alex cannot wait for Christmas!
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