Hank: (sitting in the waiting room at the pediatrician) OH, MOM! Guess what!?
Me: (sitting with him) What?
Hank: Well, maybe I should wait for papa and tell you later.
Me: Is it good news?
Hank: Very.
Me: You could wait or you could tell me now and tell your papa tonight so that way you have double the joy of delivering good news. Up to you. I can wait.
Hank: I’ll tell you now.
Me: (pivot in my chair to fully face him and Hank does the same)
Hank: (whisper squeak, beaming) I got BOM on my Math exam. (B in American grading system Hank has pulled strait C’s in math since first grade)
Me: (whisper scream) SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!
Hank: Seriously!
Me: Shut your face! (mauling him in a bear hug, peppering him with kisses) I am so proud of you! You’ve worked so hard!
Hank: And my teacher says if I get Bom (B) or Muito Bom (A in the American grading system) on my next exam I will have (whisper squealing) officially raised my grade!
Me: (whisper screaming) TURN. OFF. THE. FAUCET!!!!!!! TURN IT OFF RIGHT NOW! TURN IT O-F-F!
Hank: And I am realizing that math is everywhere. Like, when I look around this room all I see are angles. Like, look at this floor. Look here mama, this is geometry.
Me: Our world is built, proven, managed and explored through the language of math. If you build a solid foundation at the age you are now and can easily add, subtract, multiply and divide you can apply that knowledge to mathematical theories and equations in grades 5th, 6th, 7th and escola secondario (high school). Good math skills are a gift you give yourself. Math is fundamental in art, science, engineering, construction, architecture, farming, being a Chef requires math and chemistry is paramount to baking. Math lets you dream theories that stretch out into the Universe beyond this little blue planet of ours. You can muddle through without math, I am living proof of that, but I am never unaware that my life would be easier if I had a better grip on it.
Hank: You’re right. I see it now. Like, I literally see it not figuratively see it. (gets down on the ground and traces the lines in the tiled floor)
Me: (stealthily snap a photo) I am so proud of you for working so hard. You gave yourself a gift, do you feel it? That feeling is the feeling of pride, pride of accomplishment.
Hank: Now I just have to keep studying and get a Bom (B) on my next exam and I will have no Suficientes (C in the American grading system).
Me: What a great goal and you also know that if you choose to add just a little bit more work to what you have already accomplished, just a wee bit more review of past lessons and take more time to work slowly and not rush making silly mistakes, if you make those choices then you can raise your grade even higher. It is completely up to you. You are the person in charge of your own personal satisfaction. You choose your best and your best is enough.
Hank: I know. I am learning more than just math by studying. I am learning about work.
Me: (eyebrow raised)
Hank: Studying is hard. It isn’t easy and it takes time. Studying is like work for kids. You and papa work, that is adult work. Studying is a kid’s job.
Me: (lower lip thrust out, impressed, nodding) That is exactly right. I am so happy you are learning about pride and what you can accomplish with good, focused work now. That is exactly the same feeling your Pai (dad) and I feel at the end of the day. There is no life without work. There is…
Hank: No free lunch. I know. (hugging himself) I can’t wait to tell papa. He is going to be so proud.
Me: (hugging him just a wee bit closer) He’s proud because you are proud of yourself. Good job, Hank! Well done, you. You did this. We only reminded you of what you can accomplish if you make something a goal and a priority.
Intercom: Henrique José Hanford Pereira sala três (room 3).
Hank: (surprised, getting up) He said our name so well! (grabbing his backpack) Normally they skip Hanford and just use Pereira.
Me: (walking to the door) Maybe your doctor set a goal of practicing his English when he was your age. Should we send him the compliment?
Hank: (blushing) Mom, no. (through clenched teeth) Don’t embarrass me.
Me: (winking at Hank, knocking then opening the door) Boa tarde, posso? (Good afternoon, may I come in?)
Epilogue: Hank’s exams read that his body is mononucleosis free and no trace of the virus lingers. (HURRAY) I asked and it was confirmed Hank was given the all clear to kiss whom ever he wants as long as they are not exhibiting signs of the virus, which was a beyond embarrassing thing to ask in a room full of doctors. (I know, bad mom, but I couldn’t resist.) When Pai (dad) walked in the door that evening Hank gushed his exam results and was swept up in a huge hug and given muitos, muitos parabéns (many, many congratulations).













