Perseverance

My son's homework assignment is to write a paper on perseverance and how he has persevered in his life to make something better. It really got me thinking about life, both his and mine, and what a wonderful topic that is for a 4th grader in public school. Growing up, I went to a girls school where we had weekly circles dedicated to living virtuously. At the time I really liked them, and I do believe that religious or not, living with virtue is important. I remember learning about perseverance, courage, friendship, all the big ones, and I want that for Liam too. Just because one grows up without a church does not mean one has to grow up without character. In addition to learning by my example, Liam needs to learn the words, and that it is not just his crazy mom who thinks he needs to know these things. So I am really glad that in a public school, in an academically deficient state, my son is not only learning math, science, and reading, but he is also getting some character development. I am also very thankful that a public school pointed out something we can certainly do more of at home.
Now a total side note:
The other day, Liam needed to call a friend for homework help, and the little boy's mom answered the phone. Bad parents that we are never taught Liam phone etiquette, so he says "Hey. (LOOOOONG PAUSE) Is Doug there? (LOOOOONG PAUSE, I am assuming the mom was talking at this point.) This is Liam. OK, See Ya. (and he hangs up!) So I taught him that when calling someone you start by saying, "Hello, this is Liam, may I please speak with ______). He is SO incredulous, he asks how I know this. I reply that everyone knows this, but in the cell phone era you don't use those manners as much because you are calling a specific person and your name will show up on their screen, but when calling a landline you have to identify yourself. And also say Thank you, goodbye. I make him call Brian at work to practice this, but instead he calls to ask him if it's true or I just made this rule up! Then, the next day Liam tells me that I couldn't possibly have learned it from Ouma (my mom) because she never answers the phone or calls anyone up! He has since not made any phone calls!!!