With the beginning days of school upon us, I felt it important to share our recent events. I do this because I am certain that the months ahead will leave you feeling tired, defeated, or possibly inadequate. And when you do, remember this…….
Last week we attended the back to school bash. My oldest is entering 1st grade, and my second will be entering kindergarten. There is much anticipation about this because #2 cried every single day of his first year of preschool and a significant portion of his second year. So kindergarten is kind of a big deal.
We loaded up the family in a rush and headed that way. There was a long line to get in the doors. The doors were covered in rosters. We eagerly looked to find out who their teachers were. The oldest is the kind of kid who will be successful no matter where he goes. But the second one is tricky. So there was a level of anticipation for all of us. However, as we scanned the lists of names, he wasn’t there. I knew one of the teachers at the door, he even helped us look. Nope. He wasn’t on there. We visited the oldest child’s first grade classroom. Then we headed toward the kindergarten hallway to check with the teachers. Surely they would know.
I approached our teacher from last year. I asked her if she knew what room my babe would be in. In her kind, soft, beautiful kindergarten teacher way she gently told me I hadn’t enrolled him. I said, “no way. The preschool does that.” She knew that wasn’t correct. But she responded again -just as gently- that she wasn’t sure, and I should go check. At that point I glanced at my husband, and we both knew it was pertinent that we hide this from the children.
I walked back to the entrance and stood at the table where the guidance counselor was seated. Now, it is important to note here that I was wearing a shirt that said, Mommin Ain’t Easy and of course, a messy bun. The baby was sporting her hot pink cast from complete radius and ulna breaks, a bright pink tutu, and a rockin’ black eye from falling on the pool steps a few days earlier.
I approached the bright and sunny guidance counselor and stated that there had to be some mistake. She assured me kindly that there was no mistake. I hadn’t enrolled him at all. I stood in complete and utter embarrassment. Y’all, I teach in this school district. I’m the teacher who forgets to enroll their child in kindergarten. But it gets worse. In the spring, my oldest was chosen to be the kindergartener to represent the school on the open enrollment commercial for the radio. I took him to the radio station to record the commercial. I helped him practice. I shared the commercial with family. And yet, I hadn’t enrolled my other son.
I took my raggedy children back to the sweet kindergarten teacher’s classroom and completed the enrollment forms. Now, my son has absolutely no idea any of this happened. No harm, no foul, right??
What a way to start the year! Happy first days of school to all of you mommas and teachers. Just when you think you have made a mess of things, remember me. After the bash, my neighbor told me that I made her feel better about herself as a mother. I’m not certain that is a compliment. But I’ll take it. I’m all about lifting people up. Much love.
❤️ Shalom
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