Things have been a bit chaotic recently and despite meaning
to sit down and write something, life has been in the way. But I have some time
and so it’s worthy of spending a couple of those minutes putting a marker in
the ground.
Thomas has turned 18. Not only that, he’s finished school as
well. Thomas turning 18 filled me with a little more trepidation than his
brothers, probably because he was so obviously keen for the event and the fact
that it marked his entry into adulthood. And legal access to alcohol. Given the
proximity of that event to the commencement of his final school exams. The
planning for the 18th party kicked of pretty early and certainly
seemed to be attracting more attention than some of the school work.
The party went off without a hitch, a good time was had and
no police were called and Thomas even remembers it. Mission accomplished.
Thomas had come along way in the last two years. It seems
that since moving schools at the start of Year 10 he’s really come into his own
and found himself and has a great group of friends. He’s continued with his
refereeing and this year was named in the talent development squad which was a
nice piece of recognition. At lease being able to drive himself to games has
meant that our taxi duties have been significantly reduced. It’s put some good cash
in his pocket, but also really helped him to mature as he deals with all the different
personalities one encounters during a football season. You know that he’s
embraced the role when he tells you how many red cards he’s issued not to mention
coaches that he has ejected from games!
The passion for computer games remains while the juggling
and card tricks have taken a back seat. There were times when I lamented the
fact that I never seemed to be able to bust him studying no matter what
surprise tactics I employed, but he assures me that the study really did happen
and we just have to hope now that the evidence is borne out when the results
come through.
Rather than doing schoolies he’s heading off to a rented
shack with a group of friends from school and then eagerly awaiting his first
Temby new years event where he will be legally allowed to partake of the grog
without fear of repercussions from the parentals. We’ll have to see if he
manages to make it to midnight or whether misplaced enthusiasm does him in
early. Hopefully it will be the former.
So as we sit and wait for the results and Uni offers we look
forward to Christmas, the New Year and a celebratory trip to Japan to indulge
in some skiing. We’re extremely proud of Thomas and the young man that he’s
becoming and wish him the very best for the next stage beyond school.
