Does My Microwave Leak Microwaves?

My struggle this week:

Let my kid face the harsh realities of life.
OR...
Shield him from hurt.

This is harder than you think.

Here's the culprit:

His science fair was last week.
When I went to help judge other projects, I was told that his project looked like his parents had done it and it got graded down because it was typed.
I usually don't have a temper but I had to leave the building.

So how do I teach him to accept the grade he received when I am having trouble accepting it myself?
How do I show him how to be graceful in a situation filled with anything but grace?
And why am I struggling with this?

I can't remember anything bad from my childhood.
My home was extremely stable.
All my memories are really happy.
Pool parties.  Family game nights.  Sleepovers with best friends. Piano lessons. Grandparents as babysitters. Tree forts.  Lots of little animals that my mom and I fell in love with and couldn't resist. Art projects. Stories and books.
These are the first things that come to mind I talk about my childhood.

So, I am left thinking.
Did my parents shield me from the hard stuff?
OR...
Did my stable childhood just overcome hard life lessons I had to learn?
OR...
Does my memory just stink?
OR...
A combo of all three?

Thank-you, mom and dad.
Thank-you for shielding me when I needed your protection.
Thank-you for providing enough positive life lessons that somehow the hard ones just took their place among them and don't stand out as painful.

I guess it all boils down to grace again, doesn't it?!

Happy Birthday, dad.
I appreciate you.
I love you.