While my sweet little boy, 11, has been far less vocal about how he hates living with his mom during the week, he keeps saying that when he turns 14 he wants to move in here permanently and go to high school in the city.
All this week, he has been living here while he goes to Science Camp at the nearby university. It has been great! I just love having him around. He has ADHD, and often has problems relating to other kids - I think they find his superfocus/nonfocus a little hard to take by times. Sometimes I even find it difficult.
On his first day of camp, I was telling his instructor about his ADHD, but said that he has no problem paying attention when it's something he is interested in. She confided that she also has ADHD and was ONLY interested in science as a kid, so she totally understands. I felt like I was leaving him in good hands. He gave me a fantastic smile when I said, "Have a good day at university", as I left.
When I picked him up. THREE kids said, "See ya later, 11!" Better yet, the next morning as I dropped him off, they called him over to the table they were sitting at. I can't remember the last time I felt so happy! 11 has found his people: Future Science Geeks!
And he even excitedly told me, "I'm the only white kid in my group!" That's something that wouldn't happen in the village his mom lives in.
But here's the part where I get to be selfishly happy: He was talking about a section of town that one of his new friends lives in. It's not far from our apartment. 11 said, "So I told him that he lives near where I live!"
I've always worried that this apartment seems like a place my boys visit, in contrast to their "home" with The Princess. It warmed my heart when he says he lives here. I'm not trying to compete with the other house - it would just be great if this place had somewhat equal standing! It looks like it may have!
