This is my 20-year-old son, standing proudly in front of the two-family house he just bought. When I look at him now, it’s hard to believe how far he’s come. School was never easy for him—not because he struggled academically, but because he never quite fit in with the other kids.
He didn’t like sports. He was quiet. He didn’t have many friends. He wasn’t invited to birthday parties, pre-prom gatherings, end-of-year celebrations, or sweet sixteen parties. He didn’t attend sporting events. He never complained, never expressed frustration, and somehow, he made it through without ever letting it seem like it bothered him. Looking back, I realize it probably bothered me more than it bothered him.
I tried signing him up for clubs and programs, hoping he would find his niche, but nothing clicked. He didn’t connect with the other kids, and he made no secret of the fact that he preferred being with adults. The first day of kindergarten brought tears. Summer camp? Tears. So instead, he worked alongside my husband during the summers. From 7 AM to 7 PM, he labored with determination, learning the value of hard work, persistence, and responsibility at an age when most kids were still figuring out what to do with their free time.
Before he could even drive, he started his own little business—plowing driveways and cutting lawns around town. Work was his passion. It became his comfort, his joy, and ultimately, his path forward. His love for work and the lessons he absorbed alongside my husband have shaped him into the man he is today.
And here he is: 20 years old, a homeowner, running his own excavation business, and serving as a foreman for our company. Words can’t capture the pride I feel. He has created a life for himself based on his own rules, strengths, and values, and he’s thriving.
To all the mothers out there with a child like mine: remember this. It’s okay if your child isn’t into sports. It’s okay if they don’t have a large circle of friends. Football games, birthday parties, and traditional social milestones aren’t for everyone. College isn’t a one-size-fits-all path either. Every child has their own journey. With patience, support, and love, they will find their way—and they will be okay.
Sometimes, the quiet, steady, hardworking kids surprise the world in ways that no one expects. And when they do, it’s worth every tear, every worry, and every moment of doubt along the way. My son’s story is proof: their path may be different, but their success is just as extraordinary.
