The school year has ended, for Seniors. All those bright-eyed, bushy-tailed 17 year olds, ready to get out there and take on the world.My Facebook newsfeed has been filled with photos of teenagers my son went to school with, all done up in their finery to celebrate graduation and the 'formal' (end of year dance) for their respective schools.
I'll admit to having a couple of wistful moments, seeing them all ... I'd have loved to have been there with all the other parents, celebrating our children's achievements together.
My son didn't have a formal to attend. Nor did he have a graduation ceremony. In fact, he'll be attending his school well into December, with only a couple of weeks off for the Christmas break. This is one of those times I'm sure he regrets leaving the State School system early. The independent school, or 'flexible learning centre', that he attends has been a lifesaver for him in so many ways, but it also means he misses out on some of these major events that mark significant stages in other teenagers' lives.
I left school early myself, so I understand all too well the emotions that go along with that. The absolute conviction that you can't cope with staying longer just so you can earn a lousy certificate or wear a pretty dress at the end of year dance (well, I'm speaking for myself regarding the pretty dress. I'm sure he doesn't mind not wearing one!). I also understand that it really sucks to see everyone else achieve those things later on and, only then, realise that you might have liked to be a part of it after all.
Of course, his best friend also passed away a little over 12 months ago. With all the worry before her death, and the grief afterwards, my son didn't do the usual things then that a 16 year old would do either. Grief affects everyone differently, and my sweet, sensitive boy kind of dropped off the radar for awhile there. He avoided anything he felt would just add more pressure.
One of the things he didn't bother doing was going for his Learner's driving permit.
So, what did he do this week (aged 17) while all his friends were graduating and preparing for formals? He went to our local Department of Transport service centre and sat the written test. Passed with 100% accuracy on his first attempt!
I know it seems like an almost insignificant rite of passage for teenagers these days, but for him it was a big deal. The timing was perfect; he went from feeling a bit 'left out' to having something of his own to celebrate. He is a mature, sensible, level-headed young man, who is doing what he wants to do, when he wants to do it - and, just quietly, the pride his Dad and I feel right now is no different to what we'd feel if he had graduated with his mates.
Now we just have to be brave enough to sit beside him while he drives!
