Most Likely To Get Someone Else Arrested

Yesterday at school my sweet Riley was granted the esteemed honor of being named MOST ATHLETIC by the Middle School “Yearbook Most Committee” … which apparently determines the bestest and mostest of the most critical components of being in 8^th grade.

Peyton got Best Laugh

Summer got Best Eyes

Aine got Best Smile

Two girls I don’t know were awarded Best Girlfriends

Keally got Best Dressed

Emily got Most Likely To Be Famous

I asked my daughter if anyone got “Most Likely to Succeed” – like we did in the mid-70s – but Riley laughed, and thought that was a dumb question.  “That’s not even one of the options!”  Yes, I’ll have to explore that revealing issue in another note. But what about the award for Fastest Thumbs? Or most likely to sell a million iphone apps? How times they do not change.

This moment was a fantastic high-speed transport back to my own 8^th grade life, when I [strangely] also won Most Athletic.  I remember the title feeling rather funny at the time; like I wasn’t girly or attractive – just athletic.  Odd memory.  It makes me realize how early our twisted minds begin to form.   When did that cement dry?

But, thankfully Riley is quite content with the honor; she’s solid and strong in her position among her privileged peers.  She gets it.  They all get each other.  I guess.

This is a parenting process of being keenly aware, intentionally clear, and appropriately away as the character cement inside our 13 year old continues to cure and set.  The confidence and independence and not-co-dependence need to be carefully folded into the wet mixture: a healthy serving of endless possibilities from her God-given skills, a double measure of the Proof of Hard Work, plus extra joy from the clarity of her own miraculous faith.  Add Joy. Mix well.  Hit our knees.

And then, somewhere along the way, we’ll be grateful for the pitfalls that allow us to show her how to navigate the times that don’t go so well.  (Repeat: hit our knees.)

For me it’s a study in how we can contribute to the health of the next generation that’s right here in our midst.  Startling.

How much was your 8^th grade position a harbinger of positions yet to come?  Or how much was it a lie, or a catalyst for something bigger?