While Roen was out on the court, playing his first Kraken game, Remi was over at our local cemetery, making me one proud mamma!
Saturday was National Wreaths Across America Day. Through NJHS, Remi was able to be a part of this holiday, volunteering to honor our local Veterans. Remi was given 10 names of veterans who have passed on. He had no idea what to expect, just told needed to practice the names he was given, along with their branch and years of service. He was given one tiny piece of paper with all of these names bunched up, in italic font. The first thing he told me, was that he couldn't read the italic. I retyped it all, in a sans serif font and lots of spacing to help him practice easier.
Once we arrived at the cemetery, we both realized he would be saying these names at a podium, on a mic, in front of everyone. I had an inner freak out moment, but just acted like it was no big deal. When he realized he was having to speak in front of everyone, while reading a bunch of really hard names to pronounce, he immediately decided, he didn't want to use the paper I had printed off. A big part of him is still so hesitant to stand out in this way. But, I just went with it and when his time came, he walked up to that podium confidently and inched a little bit higher on this mountain he climbs daily.
After the students finished speaking, we each grabbed some wreaths and walked the cemetery, laying them on the graves of veterans. It was such a special morning with Remi, who spent his morning honoring his community, choosing to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the hard.
It was one of those moments that I knew I was watching a big part of his transformation. Witnessing him take a challenge head on, not cowering, not complaining, but realizing he may have signed up for way more than he thought, but pulling those shoulders back, walking right up to his own version of 'hard' and doing it anyway.
Well done, Remi, well done!
1 comment:
Such an awesome project!! I am very proud of Remi and his willingness to participate in this laying of the wreaths, as well as speaking in front of a crowd. I’m still so nervous to do any type of public speaking. I know he was probably nervous, but from his picture in front of the podium, he looks very confident and at ease. Well done, Remi!! I can only imagine how touched the family members that were able to attend were by this act of kindness. I hope he’s always able to see these challenges as an opportunity to continue growing and I do believe he will!! Thanks so much for sharing this story! Love y’all 😘
Post a Comment