My first born, Oliver, 16, has now completed a whopping 12 GCSEs-12! That’s 27 papers totalling 45 hours of study, all he took in his stride thanks to his calm demeanour and the fact his excellent school prepared him fully for 4 mock exams.
I can’t quite believe we’re here because I vividly recall taking mine a million years ago and now I’m 45 with a 6’1″ son who has size 12 feet and towers over me (making discipline a challenge let me tell you)!
How this happened I don’t know. I feel boys go to sleep at night and wake up men. The time passing is such a beguiling, cruel mistress. Why does life have to go at a frighteningly fast pace that even the most mindful amongst us, emphatic about drinking in every moment, feels cheated.
Oliver was born old in his defence, a mature soul from day one. A little best friend who grew up to be a big best friend. He’s the one who taught me how to parent, experienced my mess ups and still wants to hang out with me. He taught me unconditional love (I threw myself in front of a car when he ran across the carpark at a supermarket as a child) and dazzled me with his brilliant brain. Cerebral, yes but emotionally intelligent too with the ability to see people and their intentions for exactly who they are (something I wish I’d been privy to at his age).
I’m excited for this next chapter. He took A Level papers at just 15 and is the recipient of a scholarship at one of the UK’s most revered private schools in the UK and I can’t wait to see him thrive and shine.
Oliver, I can’t describe the pride I feel at the man you’ve literally become! Even if you’ll always be the sweet, cheeky doe-eyed boy in this photo, to me!
Order my debut children's book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
