What an incredible summer we’ve had. As it winds down, I can’t help but reflect on all of our great times. We traveled, swam, grilled, relaxed, got a little work done, and did plenty of playing. It was wonderful. We really soaked up every bit of summer that we possibly could. Even last week when Gage had Meet the Teacher, we went straight there from the swimming pool! Gage was barefoot. I assured his new teacher we’d remember shoes on the first day of school.
After visiting Gage’s school Friday afternoon, we returned Monday morning to meet the paras in his classroom and deliver medications to the school nurse. A full day of kindergarten (versus 3 hour sessions in pre-K) means Gage will need to eat meals and take meds at school. Since it’s the first time that’s been a requirement, I wanted to do as much as possible to help prepare the staff assisting Gage with those things.
Tuesday was the first day of school and Gage’s first bus ride! He was such a good sport loading onto the bus. I followed behind to take a few more things to his classroom and was thrilled to see he still had a smile on his face when he arrived at school. I was lucky enough to meet several of Gage’s sweet classmates as they finished up their breakfast and started morning activities.
The hours seemed to fly by at home and before I knew it, it was time to go pick Gage up and head to hippotherapy. I got a pretty good report from his teachers, although getting him to take meds proved to be a little tricky on day one. Hopefully as he gets to know the school staff better, it will get easier. If not, I’m sure we’ll figure something out. The first day exhaustion set in on the car ride to therapy and I was a worried he’d be way too worn out for a horse ride. But a short power nap in the car was just what he needed to tackle his ride on Johnny Cash. His awesome therapist even sewed him a new bib to match Johnny’s blanket – black with red and orange flames!
I’m so happy that Gage had a great first day. I’m even happier that he’s got awesome staff, teachers, therapists, etc. willing to meet and make plans ahead of time before the first day even started. It helps put my mind at ease. After Gage loaded the bus, I text another mom friend who had encouraged me to try it, reporting that he did great…no tears! She text back and asked, “oh good, you didn’t cry?” I laughed, because I meant Gage. There were tears on my part. I replied with that confession and of course she could relate and was in the same boat during her daughter’s first bus ride. As I drove to school after the bus left, I was weepy, just like I was driving home after Meet the Teacher and our other school meeting. In the midst of those tears, I felt like God was putting on my heart to find joy in this exciting time. It’s ok to feel sad and recognize what’s hard in your life, but if you don’t also let yourself feel joyful during an exciting new beginning, what hope is there for the really tough times? While I willingly let the tears flow and vent to my husband about the extra challenges we face starting at a new school, I want to avoid the trap of only seeing the negative. I need to take a cue from Gage and share in his excitement.
Last spring when we were making decisions about this school year, I was so reluctant. Gage has a July birthday, making him one of the youngest in his class. I had all but decided for sure to keep him home for a year to focus on therapy and other goals, with plans to wait and start school after he turned 6. Then I realized that choice would be more about me not being ready to send him, rather than him not being ready to go. If we’ve learned anything from Gage’s two years in pre-K, it’s that Gage LOVES school. He loves seeing and interacting with friends and I’m convinced he understands and absorbs nearly everything going on around him.
I try to remember to take the lead from Gage. He learns and makes strides on his own timeline. As we start this school year, I’m sure we’ll have to make changes and adjustments, while patiently learning and figuring out what works best for Gage. But I’m so excited to see what kindergarten has in store for him!
” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9