It has been sometime since I have updated on Matt’s progress. It’s been a very confusing time for me. I thought high school would bring great excitement and satisfaction. Instead, it’s been a period of uncertainty and fear that these next 4 years will go by much too quickly. Fear that it will pass by much sooner than we will be ready for.
What will we do when high school is over? Will there be a college program he can go to? Where will Matt live? Will he be able to live on his own? Who will his friends be? Will he have friends? Where will Matt work? How will he get there? And so on.
But today we are on the brink of his 16th birthday. It is a milestone in anyone’s life. It’s about getting your driver’s license, more freedom, approaching the halfway mark of high school, new expectations, first job, for some it’s their first love, etc.
Matt’s 16th birthday will also be a big deal for him. He will be visiting the Secretary of State’s office for his state ID. He’s enjoying his Drama and Newswriting class at school. Matt belongs to the Youth for Christ club that meets weekly before school. He had a great Homecoming date with Stephanie from his Newswriting class and two other friends of hers. What guy wouldn’t love to have 3 girls with him?
But the biggest deal yet is the anticipation of the plans in the works for the night of his birthday. He’s been looking forward to re-connecting with a pal he became acquainted with in a school district play 8 years ago. He has always admired Jake. Jake had a fairly major part in The King and I. Matt had a minor role. Matt never got to know him too well and they went to different schools. Through some coincidental events, Matt has been able to connect with him through Facebook and email.
Jake is stepping up to the opportunity. They’re making plans to do something before Thanksgiving. It happens to coincide with his birthday. This is the best gift; someone who takes the time and makes the time to hang out with a really neat kid who happens to have some atypical life experiences. We need more Jake’s and Stephanie’s in the world to make life more fun!
Happy Birthday, Matt! Have a great time!