For a seriously articulate kid, one who knows the definitions and/or history of:

-Philanthropic
-Tautology
-Ethereal
-Maladjusted
-Eccentric
-Misconstrued
-Lusitania
-Sopwith Camel
-Corsair
-GeeBee
….and of course, Zombie

It’s so utterly heartbreaking to have him reach the end of his rope, end of the day, still not able to say “I’m tired” and describe a series of mishaps as:

“I’m so sad. I had a great day. And now I’m really struggling with the last part of my day.”

And he bursts into tears.

These are the moments when I’d give anything, everything to trade places. To have him know that this is a moment that will pass, that there will be many moments like this one.

As if I would have heard any of that when I was seven and just having a rough couple of hours.

Onward.