We did it differently this year. We didn't even count down. We had a quiet moment, including exchanging words of encouragements and bowed our heads in solemn prayer. And yes, D & J did have a glass of wine each. My teetotaller condition was due to being on another run at the Dukan Diet (probably my 4th or 5th go in 5 to 6 years) while M was at church celebrating with fellow youths.
Actually there is no significant cosmic reason why the passing from 2359 to 0000 on 31st December every year is special. However, in a world regulated by timelines, milestones and deadlines, it has become important.
In our case, we were indeed governed by one of these deadlines. J had to submit his application to US universities who conveniently put it as 1st January 2017. And being busy the entire year, J left it to the last days and hours to get that done. We were obviously anxious on his behalf and stayed with him as he composed multiple essays.
As I understand the process better (being the first born, he typically had to go where none of us had been), I must say I am rather impressed with the system. Rather than asking for a regurgitation of accomplishments, the essays are meant to deeply understand the applicant: his/her passions, attitudes and resolve. It was not difficult for J for these three attributes run deep in him to hammer out the essays. Reading through his essays, it was more difficult for me as his dad, and to an extent for D as well, to not focus on "telling" on his achievements but rather to show the inner spirit and strength that led to these achievements.
Over the last few days and especially last few hours, I must confess I like this system. So much so that I expressed this to M as we were waiting for our takeaway lunch. I knew she saw the amount of stress her brother was in and I wanted to take a moment to pacify her. J's situation partly stemmed from having too many things to do, being new at this, leaving it too late, and not knowing there were more essays required!
What I really like about the system is exactly what I have been preaching to my parents, who have a habit of heaping praises on achievements rather than efforts. I understood effort to be the true determinant of success and had encouraged them (robustly so) to also concentrate on calling out grandkids who have put in great effort be it in learning a skill like baking or undertaking a courageous challenge. I can well imagine if I had applied to the US all those years ago and they were advising me, I would not be accepted into any school!
So, there we were, son, mother and father, welcoming 2017 and hoping we complete the applications in time. Earlier today, we did. J submitted to 7 of the 8 schools and having not slept the night before, is taking a nap now before he finalises and submits the final application.
I have been on his case for leaving it so late. Truth be told, I am not sure he had a choice. He gives everything in all his undertaking and had been thoroughly consumed by the officer cadet course, which he graduated from with distinction. And as I read his essays, be it about his angst towards overconsumption, his love for the outdoors, the lessons he drew from nature, his thoughts on how to sustain the world, his joy of being hands-on, his leadership opportunities and his code of honour, I cannot but feel immense pride in him. While we are there for him (esp D, while I am there for the pivotal moments like this one), but all that he has learned and done, it's all him.
For that, recognising the inner strength, the values system he lives by, I must say I am pleased. He is a fine young man. A brand new year, with all that it promises, beckons for him, and for all of us.
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