I know you're not supposed to label your kids.  "My kid is the 'smartest,' or my child is the 'funniest'.  They say that if your children hear you refer to them as a characteristic, they begin to believe that that's what they "are". 
     With that being said, our kid is a nerd.  We don't say this in front of him because we don't mean it in a bad way.  Actually, just the opposite.  He is the sweetest, kindest, smartest son we ever could have hoped for.  He was not only born an "old soul", he came out as a 90 year old man.  We teasingly call him Alex P. Keaton (from the show Family Ties) and fully expect him to be sitting at the kitchen table any given morning reading the business section of the newspaper - with a cup of coffee.  He's in the third grade mind you.
     Over the past few weeks, his class has been working like mad for their school play.  The music director, teachers, parents, students...on and on...have spent countless hours dedicated to this Spring performance.  Our son Christian had a part in the play.  He was very hesitant about it at first and wouldn't even talk about it.  We tried to ask him what it was about but he would only say, "It's a surprise.  You'll see it when it's time."
     Last night was the night.  As we walked into the school, Christian pulled the back of my coat and said, "Mom, my stomach feels nervous."  Giving him the strongest hug, I whispered in his ear.  "You're going to do great.  Go up there and have fun.  Don't worry about anything, okay?"  Pulling back so none of his friends might see, he nodded.  "Okay.  But if I look angry when I'm on the stage, don't get upset.  I'm not really mad."  
     Having no idea what that meant, Christian met with his class as we found our seats.  The show was amazing.  It was hard to believe that these were third graders with the amount of lines they had to memorize and songs they had to learn.  It was based on the class taking a cruise where everything went wrong.  
     A few songs into the show, we saw Christian sneak off of the stage to get ready.  My stomach went through my chest and my heart began to pound.  
     Within a minute or two, he came out with two other boys that made up a band.  A ROCK band.  He played a life preserver guitar with a cool dude hat and shades on.  He was having a ball.  Our little Alex P. Keaton was having fun, on stage...in front of everybody.  The same kid who gets mad for a two hour snow delay because he'll miss morning classes...was rocking out.  Snarly look, head nodding, rocker.  
     It took a minute for me to believe, then I just sat back and laughed.  I didn't know he had it in him.  The other kids in the band were awesome and then one of his buddies came in with a harmonica and fell down to his knees playing.   
    Like I said before, I know we're not supposed to label our kids.  It was a good reminder to me how true this is.  Whether our kids are smart, athletic, funny, artistic...you never know when they might surprise you. 
    Rock on little Dude.