The Highs and Lows of High School

I sometimes wonder if I am living in blissful ignorance, oblivious to the realities. Or maybe denial, not admitting to myself or anybody else the dread of what lies ahead.
I don't think I am, but our life seems so far removed from so many we have travelled on this rollercoaster with, you have to consider the fact it may be the calm before the storm.

We are awaiting his first report card for high school. The result of two terms/one semester in his new environment. A time full of change and challenges, anxiety, tears and angst.

He is still fairly socially isolated, but like the echidna that rolls itself into a prickly ball at first sign of attack, slowly but surely he is unfolding, opening, showing glimpses of his true self to others.

The anxiety has lessened, the tears have slowed, the hormones settled (a little).

Exam week was tolerable, made harder by the illness of myself and Boy 2. Pumping immune boosters and probiotics, we prayed he would fight off any lurgies until it was over. He made it by a hair's breath, going down like a ton of bricks on Saturday night, still ill three days on. Last week of school. No biggie if he misses now.
The social limits of school have been abaited by his two wonderful best mates. Last Friday he had a sleepover at his former school mate's house (to avoid the primary school disco), and even with no TV (it blew up THAT afternoon), he had fun.

The prior long weekend his oldest bestie, my honorary third son, was up for two nights. Watching those two is a balm to any worried mother's soul. Just so very, very solid. Boosted him for the week after, the exam pressures, the personal expectations he has for himself. That lack of belief in his work and ability even though he is a good student who loves learning. Okay, not confident, but okay.

Boy 2, Boy 1, C

Happy 80% of the time, what mother of a teenager, let alone one on the spectrum, could ask for more?
Am I in denial? Am I really basking in blissful ignorance?
I hope not. I do not think I am for many around are in awe of him. I pray we are not missing something vital, letting the ball drop after so many goals.

I can only sit and wait and be alert, vigilant, aware of the risks, challenges, pitfalls.

And love and support him unconditionally. The way I always have.