You can learn a lot by what someone keeps on their desk, and I’m developing a new appreciation for the tangible things that signify what’s important to our young man. We are designing a new, more professional workspace for him and so have been moving some things around. Here’s part of what I discovered:

• a pencil sharpener, for when the electric one is too noisy
• an eraser that does not make crumbs
• a harmonica, for playing along to music on the computer ( with headphones on)
• double stick tape, because we are out of regular and drawings must go up on the wall ASAP
• two spare mouse batteries in a handy basket
• the three little pigs and the big bad wolf, for inspiration
• a battery charger for the camera we can’t find
• a picture from the prom sent by a teacher
• a ruler – probably because it fits nicely in that spot because he never uses it – except maybe to conduct a symphony now and then.

There were various pictures printed out from the internet taped to the table but I did not get to those in time for the photo – but one of them was of the chorus from Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, which is stuck in my memory in perpetuity.

I feel as though we are now truly seeing the emergence of an adult personality. Like all of us, there are parts of his childhood that he will never let go. Some patterns are set, but there is a self confidence about routine that seems less driven and more comfortable. He is taking charge of the things that matter to him and for now, he is trusting us to take care of the rest. We’re doing our best not to let him down.

In the meantime, maybe he can organize my desk for me.