I am home from CHA. I have been so busy with such a successful show that I apologize for the lack of updates. It was beyond my dreams at the reactions and orders. It humbles me and makes me so thankful for the huge support. I do not take it for granted. I want my lines to sell not because of my "name" or a following but because I design quality, beautiful products that crafters want to use. It really matters to me. I promise to post more photos.
Today I have to share my personal life right now. I am emotional and conflicted right now. My family had to make a big decision this last week. I am praying it was the right one. In my heart, I do feel peace.
Today I am going to the schools that Zach attends and take him out of the schools. He will no longer be going to Cottonwood High School next year or playing for their wonderful baseball program. This baseball program is amazing... they have the best facilities and work out program. It is known for the successful program in Utah. They have some pretty great coaches. It would be a great place for Zach and his talents.
The problem is that Zach simply has been miserable. He changed schools two years ago to go to Cottonwood (after Jr. High). He takes his Physics/Math class (one period a day) at Cottonwood and the rest of his classes at the Jr. High. He went to the school basically knowing one friend. He went and honestly gave it a try. After the first year, he begged us to go back to his old school. He just never felt it was the right place for him. We encouraged him to give it time. He tried and yet it was just hard to see him "not be himself" anymore. He is a shy kid and I'm sure that did not help with his transition.
When it comes down to it, Zach has had this same core of friends from birth, preschool, elementary school and he left them to go to this new school. He really missed his friends and the closeness. It was where he felt the most included, loved and accepted. Funny, he was super outgoing at this last school.
It is hard when you have a kid like Zach who excels at baseball and academics. He did not have many classes with any of his baseball friends. I guess you could say... he felt like it was not for him. He often felts excluded by not knowing the kids.
He would come to me so sad and finally I knew that going to a school for a baseball was not going to be best for him. It broke my heart. One day I was picking him up for baseball carpool- all the boys crowded into the other carpool drivers car (like 6-7 boys) and I drove Zach alone to the high school for baseball practice. I dropped him off and cried as I drove home. I felt the pain he was feeling. I KNEW that day a couple weeks ago that Zach was right. He needed to go back to the same school where our son Ty goes.
Yes, the high school he will go to DOES NOT have the things that Cottonwood has for the baseball program. However, this has nothing to do with baseball anymore... it's about my son. We love him too much to see him sad and missing his lifelong friends. I want you to know that the boys were not mean to him, he was not bullied, he will miss many of them. He feels bad to leave them. Zach just knew he would enjoy high school on a greater level by going back.
As I went to Cottonwood High School this morning, I had to check him out of the one class he took there. The counseler printed out the sheet and commented, "Wow, your son has well over 100% in Physics & Calculus- impressive." I started to have tears in my eyes. I so appreciate this opportunity and time. I wish Zach had felt differently.
What is most important is giving our children a home and opportunities to thrive and feel valued. I pray that we have made the right decision. I know that he will be happier with his many friends. Playing baseball is a passion for him... even if it's not at on "the best" team. It really doesn't matter. I am on my way to check him out of his Jr. High now... his last day there.
PS Being a parent is hard. I wish I knew we were making the right decision. I hope the parents at Cottonwood will know we love them and their boys. Truly, what a great group of boys and parents. I truly am heartbroken to leave this circle of friends. The boys will find out today at baseball that Zach is no longer going to be with them. This is a hard day for Zach and our family.
I love you Zach... and I support you 1,000% in all that you do. I am so proud of you and the young man that you are.
