The beginning Of Mice And Men
It’s 9.05am as I write this and five whole minutes into the start of your first GCSE exam.
I honestly believe that I’m more nervous than you, which wouldn’t be too hard given that my approach to school exams at your age was wildly different. I chose a difficult route back then, one you know some of the story of. So here in this moment, I want to acknowledge how you’ve turned one of the most challenging times in your life into something focused and something I hope you are proud of. I certainly am.
It’s 10.00am and you’re halfway through, I hope you’re remembering to breathe, to slow things down and have faith that you know this.
We’re still in a “no photos please” phase and that’s still OK. You didn’t want me to record your hand, the hand that’s written and decorated a zillion flash cards with character quotes, themes and book analyses. Using a rainbow of colours from your extensive collection of highlighter pens.
You will already know that I’ve replaced your hand with mine in these photographs, so you know that I’m there, that I was always there.
11.00am and it’s pens down, no doubt friends will ask how you did and you will ask them. Which parts were easy, which themes did you each choose?
As I wander around our home, half packed away with wall markings ready for the building work one day, I see all the pop-up study spaces of yours. Some I’ve helped you create, some you’ve just landed into, in your unique freestyle kind of way. This unfair catapult, shows two years of unexpected unschooling to being flung into school exams. There is no doubt it has come with over-filled baggage.
But you continue to lead with wisdom, fairness and a will of steel.
I often wonder who is guiding who.
Artifact Motherhood is a collaboration of artists/mothers from around the world. Sharing stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. Our hopes and dreams for our children. With little nuggets of wisdom here and there. These are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artifacts we are leaving behind for our children and the generations to come.
Please visit the next artist in our blog circle, the talented Kirsty Larmour and continue through all the artists until you get back to me.
What a wonderful way to document your child’s schooling. You are such a thoughtful mother.
That is such a lovely thing to say, thank you Jessie. x
Jo, the thoughts and feelings are so similar to mine – what a 2 years it’s been. So much love and luck to you and J, xx
It really has been quite the time, hasn’t it? Especially for our teens. Thank you K, for being so aligned in my world. Love and luck right back at you. xx
The respect you have for your daughters wishes to not be photographed is deeply admirable. I love how are still able to find ways to document her during this time. Your storytelling, written and visual, are incredibly authentic and captivating. It’s a glimpse into a stage yet to come for me, every word and moment is duly noted.