The quiet echoes of a thank you from far away.

This is a good year, a rich year, a challenging school year. One of the sweet-bittersweet things, emphasis on the sweet, has been knowing our two Olders will look out for each other on Fridays.

Out the driveway they go, on their own, able and capable, conversing and soundtracking their commute in their own space and world, away from parents and younger siblings. This is how it should be. Not the being away, but the knowing they can make memories and be happy and look out for themselves and each other away from us. I miss them terribly and my breath catches every time they leave - please God bring them home safe. I can start breathing again fully once they’re home.

The other nice part is being able to have a full, uninterrupted day of schooling with the Youngers.

This is not a small thing. Momentum, rhythm, not having to go anywhere is a small gift that can reap amazing results when time is used properly. So…I was not overly excited to need to go up on a Friday for a make-up consult; a makeup due to missing earlier in the week due to sickness. That being said, we are nimble at pivoting, adapting, finding the good spots in the places we’re at and the things we do. So we did. Mrs C——- took them through an assignment for (missed) Lego Lab that involved building a vehicle and then taking measurements to see how far it would travel down a ramp in the hall.

She had different variables: gentle versus strong push on carpet/tile/ramp, etc. She has become an integral part of our boys’ educational journey this year and they have come to not only appreciate, but to enjoy her, as do I. A very neat person who puts a great deal of hours into preparing and developing assignments and projects that will be meaningful for the students she works with.

I am grateful for all the people, through different stages and phases, who have been and are engaged positively in helping our children learn and grow.

Thank you.