The question Stephen & I get asked, probably more than any other, is how's Caiden doing with our move abroad. This was, & remains, our greatest concern so we check in with him often on this. Surprisingly, yet not, he's fantastic. He continually says he feels "so welcome" & has transitioned pretty much seamlessly into a terrific group of friends. It's been a huge breath of fresh air for him to be accepted exactly, precisely as he is. He can wear a polo top & jeans & it's perfectly fine (most Italian/European men & boys, also, dress very nicely), he can excel at running, rock climbing, skiing, theater & violin & his friends are proud of his endeavors & genuinely interested in learning about passions different than theirs. This wasn't as much the case in Truckee. As a boy, you're either into soccer, football, baseball or lacrosse & sporting silky basketball shorts with a Big Truck hat or, you're pretty much out. It had been heartbreaking to watch Caiden honor himself & yet try to find his place within this rigid norm.
Yesterday, Caiden went to "The Milan Sports Tournament". It's an overnight, fun competition between selected 4th & 5th graders of International School of Florence (ISF) against students from International School of Milan (ISM). The kids have been training at recess, daily, for months & it all culminated in 2 days of dodge ball, swimming, capture the flag, chaos tag & handball. The winner gets bragging rights &, no pressure, but ISF has taken top honors 7 years running...
Caiden was certainly nervous for the sporting events, but he was even more nervous about his overnight accommodations. You see, parents aren't allowed at Milan Tournament. And, further, each ISF child stays with a "host family"-- i.e. the family of one of the ISM participants (we return the favor during part II of the Tourney in March, in Florence). We had been corresponding via text & email with Caiden's host family for weeks & we'd traded photos & bits about what each of our boys like/what their hobbies are-- but come 9 am yesterday he jumped on a train, with the rest of his teammates, & they were off for this incredible adventure.
As I watched my young man move toward the platform I could see some fear in his face, but I could also see bravery, pride, confidence. I'm sure it helped tremendously that when he arrived at the Santa Maria Novella Train Station a large group of kids already gathered with their suitcases & dufflebags let out a collective "CAIDEN!!" & ran towards him & there were hugs & smiles & hair-ruffling. He instantly let go of my hand & was pulled away by the energetic tide of schoolmates welcoming him...
Caiden's actually still gone, I'm writing this in the hours before we go to pick him up, but I'm all smiles. Smiles because the host Mom emailed to say he had a great night & was a sweet, polite boy; (wistful) smiles because he never called me -- he did this extraordinary thing, quite mature & worldly for his 10 years of age, & felt comfortable enough that he didn't need the cushion of Mom on the phone line from a few hours away. I am all, ALL smiles because I see my son thriving, I see that he's happy & has a sense of belonging, I'm also just so stinkin' proud of him & I'm certain the experiences of these past 30 hours will be ones Caiden will never forget.
You are giving him such a gift of a lifetime. No matter where he goes, he will always remember the acceptance and camaraderie of these classmates. It's a shame that more communities in the US (CA?) aren't like the one he is experiencing. It should be that way everywhere. I wish I could have done the same for my children.
Good morning Nicole! I’m so happy to hear the story of Caiden’s Big Adventure. By now you will have heard the rest of the story from his perspective. Kudos to you all!
Honestly, I never worried about Caiden. He seems to fit in better in Florence than ever in Truckee. So happy for you — and for him!