It has been a flurry of activity since the kids started back last Wednesday. School days have never been dull in our house, but this, I would call, next level. 

Lucy, unbelievably, is in Middle School. She attended the band version of “the wand chooses the wizard” and was chosen by the French horn, has successfully ridden the bus for the first time, seems to have found redeeming qualities of each of her classes and teachers, and has embraced her 6th grade year with her own signature, unfailing attitude of joy. 

Zachary has somehow time-warped into 9th grade (also unbelievable). He chose the tried and true method of setting his own expectations SO low for High School that he could only go up from there:). He is settling in. Still not thrilled, but a little less worried each day. He is also starting his 12th year of hockey, complete with some out of town tournaments and, for the first time, body contact known as checking.  We expect there will be some bumps and bruises along the way this year, but are truly so proud of the amazing, and tall, guy that Zachary has become. 

Claire, despite her continued recovery, seems not to have skipped a beat. She is attending partial days at school for now (missing her dance class every morning so that she can sleep in and make it through the rest of her day). We have put in place a temporary 504 to allow some accommodations for her during the school day as she continues to regain her strength and stamina  (visits to the nurse as needed for pain and exhaustion, leaving class early to avoid the class change crowds, and occasional thumbs up 👍🏻 thumbs down 👎🏻 prompts from her teachers to remind her to check in with herself from time to time …just to name a few).  She is truly a rockstar except she absolutely can’t party late into the night. In fact, at first we were just trying to get her through dinner before she fell asleep. Claire gets stronger everyday, complains only occasionally of pain, and continues to show her scar to anyone who doubts that she had brain surgery 4 weeks ago… which is everyone, because… she hasn’t skipped a beat! 

We said goodbye to Nonni and Poppi after 6 weeks of card games, dominos, Netflix, groceries, overall assistance, and nursing care and love. And we welcome my mom next week. She will be part chauffeur/part food prep as we are already putting miles on the cars with our amended schedule and the kids come home everyday hungry for dinner…or whatever is within arm’s  reach in the pantry. Hopefully, by the time my mom heads home, Claire will be attending school full time, even if she isn’t dancing quite yet. 

One step at a time.  

Cheers to a new year. Cheers to modern medicine. And cheers to a future shining bright!