I am NOT ready for summer to be over. Yesterday was Stephen's 1st day back to school. I tossed and turned all night, Wednesday night. I woke up, sick with a tummy ache yesterday morning.
When Stephen was younger, it was easier to send him to school. The classrooms were smaller. The students were less judgmental, and more accepting. Next year, good Lord willing, he'll be in 6th grade! Gosh, time is zooming by too fast. He should actually be in the 6th this year, but we held him back in K-5. He's so small for his age. He doesn't look like he's almost 12 does he? He still wears a size 7.
Yesterday, we walked him to class. He went around the room and said, "hey!" to everyone, hugged them and patted them on the back. He then did it once more, just to make sure no one was left out. He made it back around to where I was, grabbed my hand and walked to the door and looked back at everyone as if to say, "Sure was good to see y'all again! See ya later!" Although I had been trying to prepare him for the last two weeks that it was almost time for school again, I don't think he was paying attention to what I was saying. I should have used the picsyms of "school" - "school bus"- etc. I think he would have understood me better if I had made it more simple for him to understand.
Enough of the over protective-mother stuff. ...Remember the first day of school? The smell? A smell of crayons, paint, and freshly sharpened pencils. The feeling of fall in the air. The ole butterflies in the tummy. I swear, I relived every memory yesterday morning. I saw a little girl standing outside her classroom with her mother and new teacher. The little girl's curly blonde hair was in a pony tail. She was wearing a pink jumpsuit and sandals, ...and she was crying. Oh, boy...I wanted to cry too when I saw that. From the conversation they were having, I could tell that she was new here and doesn't know anyone yet.
What else was so special about the beginning of a new school year? For me, it was getting a new pair of shoes! [Check out Stephen's new shoes in the photo! He also loves a new pair of shoes..just like his mama.] I've always been quite the shoe snob. I become emotionally attached to my shoes. Every pair has a story to tell. Yes...my shoes were always an important part of the school year. However, about the time I got the first scuff mark, I was beginning to hate school. Thank God, Stephen isn't like me in that department! He enjoys school, the more he goes. I'm the one who hates so much to let go. As hard as I try to "talk it up" I think he senses that I worry about him, and maybe that's why he took my hand and started to leave yesterday. He always watches my reaction to things. If I have negative vibes he picks up right away. I've learned something amazing about people who are nonverbal. They are far more sensitive than the rest of us. I believe it's because they have to rely on their senses more than we do. We all have that ability, but I don't think we listen to our instincts enough.
We survived the first day! My heart ached as I had to let go of his hand and walk out of the classroom. I found myself thinking of him and worrying thoughout the day. I held both LambChop puppets after I made his bed. Finally at five minutes till three, the bus brought him home, safe and sound. He looked down from the window as Miss Donna helped undo his seat belt and smiled that big smile at me! He hugged Miss Penny's neck before she helped him down the steps and then practically, jumped into my arms! He smelled like the peanut butter and banana sandwich I packed in his lunch, crayons and...some other school-funk I can't describe. He hurried over as fast as he could to his daddy for hugs and kisses. I could sense that he'd had a happy day, but he sure was happy to be home! He was happy to get on the bus this morning. He looked back and smiled till they were out of sight. ::sigh:: So here I am, not knowing what to do with myself. It's going to take a while for me to adapt! First, I need rest. Then I will look for part time work.
So that is all that is new. Vacation photos still to come. I'm so very behind in everything!
8 comments:
hi mia it calling were getting old and soon you be tell us stephen driveing a car and getting marry i want to thank lori and bill show me your journal
as far ask stephen to bad he not 52 years old i marry him right now
tc god bless you and your family chris
AWWWWW MIA hes growing up. Its hard isnt it. Do you start your job now right. Rachael took on another special needs child. He has grand maul seizures brought on by DPT shots. He was normal till then. He has the siezures weekly if not daily some times when he has a cold. this lady even wants to pay for Rachaels special triaing nad take her to Myrtle beach with them and has all kinds of plans for Rachael. they live in the NICEST sectoin of town. VERY VERY NICE HUGE NEW HOuse. They are nice down to earth peole thou. I am so glad to hear from you. Hey you be sure to post those pics soon. Lori
He is adorable, and this entry was so, so sweet. Take care.
Awwww.. what a GREAT first day story! I'm so happy for Stephen, but yeah, I know it's hard to let them go. I usually look forward to school starting again [because summer daycare is EXPENSIVE], but since I was home this year, I realized all the great things we were going to miss out on as Elijah went back to school. So sad. Still, good for them. They need the socialization and to be around kids their own age. Stephen is a tough kiddo - his smile won't be tarnished. No worries about him, Momma. It's gonna be OK. :D
You are such an artist with words. I can just picture it and smell the smells and feel the feelings. I remember my first day of school. I had to cross 3 streets to get there and I had never crossed a street before by myself. I was so scared. It was fun with all the toys though and the teachers were nice. It was hard for me to let go of my children also. It's hard to be a parent, you are far better than most I would have to say.
I know he will have a wonderful year and his artwork is proof! :)
So, sweet mia.
I could read entry after entry of your writing. I tell ya, you should write a book!! And Stephen cold illustrate. :) I'm not kidding....
Rosebud is attending 6th grade this year. Where DOES the time go?? She's developing fast too, much to her happiness and much to my anxiety. :D
Good luck on your part time job search! :)
Wow, so much catching up to do here.... I always loved the first day back to school. Having the perfect outfit, new underwear, new shoes, endless possibilities, clean slate with grades.... All of it does wear off fast though, doesn't it? LOL
Stephen sounds like he really likes school... love the pic up above. Oh yeah, great job with the art too! I've framed some of my fav's of Spencer's when he was young too. They are some of my most precious artwork hanging on the wall....
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