Proud Moments

It is a real gift to watch and help my son grow up. Every day, he surprises me with something new, something I never could have imagined a six-year-old doing. There have been countless proud moments, but some shine brighter than others. Just the other night at church, he turned to me out of the blue and said he knew how to divide. My first thought was, no way, but sure enough, he did it right in front of me. Watching him teach himself concepts that many kids don’t learn until years later fills me with both pride and a touch of fear. It’s easy to keep up with him now, but what about five years from now? Still, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Early Signs of Brilliance

His brilliance showed itself almost from the very beginning. At just four weeks old, he decided tummy time wasn’t for him anymore and rolled from his stomach to his back all on his own. That determination and strength of will were early signs of the way his mind works—always a few steps ahead. By the time he was two, I saw more proof. One afternoon while playing with his toy kitchen set, he called me over to proudly show me a pile of plastic food. He counted up to five, declaring, “Mommy, I have five fruits.”

Not long after that, at just two and a half, he managed to outsmart the tall gate I had placed across his bedroom door. I thought I had settled him in for the night, but moments later he appeared in my room, smiling and triumphant. He had figured out how to open the latch on his own. I remember standing there in shock, equal parts proud and a little nervous about what kind of cleverness was coming next.

School and Academic Achievements

Last year, when we decided to homeschool for the first time, he completed both kindergarten and first grade in a single year. He handled the lessons with ease, moving through subjects at a pace that left me in awe. Even his play shows this academic spark. In Minecraft, for example, he doesn’t just build houses—he builds intricate, well-thought-out structures with defenses, planning them as though he were an architect designing a fortress.

As his mom, I am constantly amazed, but also a little nervous about how fast and far he is growing academically. When he was in public school at four years old, I asked the staff to test him so he could advance. Instead, they dismissed my concerns and insisted on “teaching” him colors and letters—things he had mastered years earlier. At home, I could see his abilities for what they really were, and that contrast made me even more determined to nurture his gifts.

Creative and Personal Talents

His talents don’t stop at academics. When he was just three, our church’s drummer let him sit at the drum set. We all expected the usual loud banging from a curious toddler, but what came out stunned everyone. He played with rhythm and control, as if he had been practicing for months. The professional drummer even asked me if I was sure he had never taken lessons. Watching that moment unfold, I was filled with gratitude. His creativity showed me that he wasn’t just gifted in one area—he was well-rounded, and that balance will make him happier in the long run.

Everyday Proud Moments

Of course, not every proud moment is about big achievements. Some of the most meaningful come from the little things. His willingness to help his younger brother is one of them. He steps in without being asked, patient and kind, never belittling or bossing. Those small acts of compassion remind me that genius isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about character. And in those everyday moments, I see the kind of person he is becoming, and my pride grows even more.

Emotional Reflection

Being the parent of a gifted child comes with deep joy, but also with fear. I constantly ask myself how I can nurture his gift without overwhelming him, how I can guide him without holding him back. Each milestone pushes me to adapt, reevaluate, and grow right alongside him. He challenges me to think differently, to expand my patience, and to embrace flexibility as I teach him. More than anything, he has made me a better parent because he pushes me to rise to the level he needs.

Conclusion

These proud moments aren’t just about what he accomplishes; they are glimpses of the amazing person he is becoming. On one hand, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. On the other hand, I wish I could slow time down and keep him small just a little longer. He dreams of becoming a NASA engineer, building bases on the moon to protect astronauts. Another time, he told me he’d grow up and cure my allergies so I could eat chocolate again. No matter what path he chooses, I know he will do something incredible.

Being his parent is my greatest honor. I am so grateful for every proud moment, every lesson, every glimpse of his bright future. I know in my heart he will leave a mark on the world, and I am humbled to be the one walking beside him as he grows.