The definition of bravery

Recently, my youngest boy had to compose an essay at school. Since he struggles with writing due to his FASD, he dictated his essay to his teacher who acted as his scribe. His teacher sent me a copy of the essay with this note:

This is a copy of an essay A. dictated to me. I felt you needed a copy of it.

Hmm...with an intro like that, I couldn't wait to read what my son had to say. His teacher was right; I did need a copy of the essay. With A's permission, I'm printing his essay here for anyone who has ever wondered about the challenges of international adoption from the child's perspective. I'm also sharing it for those who have been touched by FASD...my boy may struggle with writing but that doesn't stop him from sharing the wisdom of his heart.

Bravery

I had bravery to come to America. I came to the US to have a new mother to be nice to me. I wanted to learn more language and to be a good man. When Mom was speaking to me in American language she said to me can you give me the cup. I didn't know what she said. So my brother tell me in Russian the cup and I bring it to her. She said good job.

I asked Mom I didn't want to go to school. Mom said I had to go to school. I didn't know what people were talking about in school. Then there were a Russian teacher and she was telling me what they were saying to me. Then there were kids saying in English and I didn't know what they were saying to me. So I say something in Russian to them. I told the Russian teacher and she said in English say nice stuff.

When you get bullied you have to tell the teacher who is swearing at you and being mean to you. Because people won't bully you if you stand up for yourself and talk nice to them and they will be nice to you.

Bravery helps you make friends. Helps you stand up for yourself. In war you have to be brave to be a soldier. Your mother will be so proud of you for being brave.

Yes, son....your mother will be proud of you for being brave...and I am, every single day!!!