Growing Like a Weed

8th Grade Graduation

Rehab at home after setback

This was a year of growth. Not only academically but in height. Hyrum ended the year at 5'9.5" He improved across all of his academics and he graduated 8th grade.

At the start of the school year, I was frustrated with Hyrum's health. He kept getting sick, having setbacks, and missing too many days of school. Hyrum and I were talking about it and he set me straight. He said, "Mom, I am doing so much better this year than last year, and I am in school more days and for longer. I am doing so much better than the year before last year. It's going better."

He is right. The one living with this each day would know. At times, I get discouraged and caught up in where I want him to be. He knows the road he has been on better than anyone. This wise young man can see the big picture. He can remember where he has been and he has hope in getting better, even if it is only one step at time. Yes, he still has his long list of conditions and illness. Yes, to the immune being compromised and the brutal setbacks. He just keeps pushing forward.

Look at how far he has come. He knows he is the one who has to do the hard stuff and what he chooses to do each day will affect the next few days. These are the choices he has been learning to make since he was 9 years old in November 2020.

This year, he not only grew in height but he grew in wisdom. I am grateful I get to see both happening at the same time.

2018 and he is shorter than a penguin

Author's Note: Too many kids with Long Covid have been struggling with stunted growth. Their bodies are struggling each day and the extra energy and resources are not there for the growth. There are no numbers yet. I see the discussions, the questions, and frustrations of parents in the LC groups for kids. Honestly, the kids are usually too far ahead and numbers are too far behind. The studies always come much later with this illness.