Dear 10-year-old GENE,
I never imagined I’d say this: “Today, you have a summer class.”
Words like “school uniform” and “entrance exams” always felt so far away.
But today, we added one more word to our story.
The Day I Said “Summer Class” Out Loud
I told your dad, “I signed GENE up for a summer class,” and we both smiled.
It felt surreal.
Things I once thought had nothing to do with us—like summer school—are now a small but bright part of your world.
A New Challenge — Your First Work Practice
It was a one-day trial with a 1:2 teacher-student ratio.
And guess who the teacher was? Your favorite older gentleman from school.
You were calm, focused—no climbing shelves today. Just pure effort.
Today’s Tasks
- Wood Shaving (10 min)
You liked it, but the endless nature of it made you drift to the trampoline once or twice. Still, you came back and tried again. - Sorting Paper into Sets of Five (10 min)
You nailed this one! Clear goals, simple steps—GENE in the zone. - Assembling Pens (10 min)
It took some practice, but soon you were faster and even finished early. Waiting quietly at your desk? That was a proud-mama moment.
A Glimpse of the Future
The teacher said: after high school, B-type work centers offer 4-hour shifts.
It sounded like a distant dream, but today’s 30 minutes told me something important: you can build toward this.
My Quiet Realization
Four focused hours may feel impossible now, but this one day gave me hope.
Hope for skills, for choices, for a life with more colors in it.
Today, that possibility came a little closer.
Message to Other Parents
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s no future,” please believe this: unexpected moments will surprise you.
GENE’s first summer class was one of mine.
Closing
Thank you, GENE, for walking this path with me.
Every step you take toward the future lights up mine too.
Thank you. Always, GENE.
