When our boys were little, and not so little, we read to them. Often, that wasn’t enough for our middle son, Tim, who insisted on a special story as he was tucked into bed each night. These were the Tim Stories, and each one always began the same way: Once upon a time there was a little boy named Tim whose parents loved him very much…
I don’t remember when the Tim Stories stopped, but the reading aloud continued for many, many years. We read at night. We read in the car on road trips. We read on camping trips, in tents when it rained or by the campfire with the help of a flashlight when it was clear. We read series written by C.S. Lewis, Lemony Snicket and J.K. Rowlands. Heck, we had a book we read during dinner for a while. It was a fun one about manners (Do I have to Say Hello by Delia Ephron). We read a lot out loud.
Reading has always been hard for Tim. Although he struggled with it in school, he developed some great strategies. He is an excellent listener, he discovered books on tape, and he learned to ask questions for clarification, for help. He studied with tutors. He worked more than his brothers, harder than his friends or anyone else around.
This week Tim graduates from college — early. And, he still knows a good story when he hears one: Once upon a time there was a young man named Tim whose parents love him very much…
The Blue Page Special 
I read this with tears in my eyes and so much pride in the young man he has become. This teacher is VERY proud of him and I know how hard he worked, and he did work harder than anyone else.
Thanks, Jari. You deserve a lot of credit, too!
I am so happy for you to be celebrating such a wonderful achievement with your son. What a great post!! Mother’s pride is something terrific, isn’t it? Congratulations to you!!
Thank you! It is something worth celebrating.
I hope to be celebrating it with my son someday.
Sparkly eyes! Congratulations Robin and Randy!
Thanks, Sara!
Safe travel and congratulations!!!! Congratulations TIM!!! 3 1/2 Years!!!! WOW by ALL STANDARDS!!! And big hugs and congrats to mom and dad, R & R!!
Thanks, Carol! The time frame has Randy especially happy.
Okay, I’m crying. And I’m so proud of not only Tim, but the wonderful, supportive family that he is a part of. Love to you all.
Wendy
Thank you, Wendy!