Saturday was not a good day for Stefan.
He awoke with a rashy face and contacts that refused to settle in his eyes.
At his violin competition he played Vivaldi’s “Autumn” beautifully and as the pianist said–“A perfect performance!”– yet received a low score.
Trying out for the tennis team, later that day, he lost to someone that he usually easily outplays.
Out with his friends that night, he ended up sitting alone at the dollar movie because none of the girls dared move up a row and take the seat next to him.
Then he found out that the girl he admires, the one that for months he has planned to ask to the first dance after he turns 16, was asked by someone else.
And yet, today as we are offering sympathy and solutions he shrugs and laughs and still gives “one shoulder each” rides.
I admire Stefan on his good days, but on his bad ones, I stand in awe.

dalene
I love it when kids teach us how to roll with whatever it is life tosses at us. Awesome.
Sue
A resilient child is life’s greatest blessing.
=)
Trainer Momma
What a great guy. How great that he is in your life every day. Forever. Isn’t that amazing?
Ken
Stefan is AWESOME!
I love Stefan and admire him more than words can express. He knows who he is; from where he comes and to where he is headed.
With loving awe,
Grandpa Ken
Tracy
Go Stefan. If only I could roll like that.
xoxo,t
Selwyn
Pure awesomesauce.
Christie
I love all your kids, but today he’s my favorite. They just don’t come any better than that.
Rachelle
I’m positive that it’s tougher on parents than it is on kids to watch them go through life’s adversities. I don’t like it!
Natasha
This post brought tears to my eyes- Stefan definitely sounds amazing. I also love the poem If.
Claudia
Well, we all know he could take any of them down in a arm wrestling contest. Blindfolded. If I were 16 I would date you Stefan! I appreciate your kind soul.
Linn
That boy makes me want to be a better person. Thanks Stefan!
Jennk
He is a gem. 🙂
Jan Russell
Oh mercy on us all, this is making me cry. What a great spirit he has!