Wisdom and Schooling

It's been quite the 3-day weekend. I was happy to have time and energy to work on the book but writing can (and usually does) offer a mixed bag of emotions. It seems that every time I read those chapters, even though I've read some of the words 1000 times and wrote them all myself, memories and feelings come flooding back. I found myself leaking at Starbucks. Fortunately, nobody else seemed to notice. Another round of editing is done. I think we've picked a title (stay tuned!) and now I need to determine which pictures we're going to use in the book. It's hard to narrow down those choices.

There's also been a lot of talk about the first day of school and that makes my heart heavy. I used to love the first day of school. When I was a kid, I looked forward to fall for so many reasons. Fall meant new clothes. Fall meant a birthday party. Fall meant new beginnings and fresh starts. Even after I graduated from college, I worked for schools so my mind has always been set thinking that Fall is the real start of the year. Perhaps its also my Jewish heritage thinking of the upcoming New Year (Shana Tova!).

I digress.

Anyway, this time of year certainly has me thinking about Charlotte. Aside from the fact that it is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month, I am reminded that she would be going to first grade this year. Every time I pass Henry Clay Elementary School I think about the hole that Charlotte's absence has left in my life. When I see my friends post their excitement and joy as their children go off to new beginnings at school, I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

Two years ago at this time, we were on our way back from Houston, Texas. We had lived there for eight weeks while Charlotte received proton radiation treatments. Two years ago we still had hope. We were still optimistic that her treatments would lead to remission. We still had our daughter in our lives. That world seems so far away today.

I will close today by sharing some wonderful words of wisdom I found in another blog. While I didn't write these words, I believe wholeheartedly in everything the author suggests about children and childhood. These are words that I live by as a parent and an educator. These are things that my 4-year-old knew.

May your Fall be filled with new beginnings, new knowledge, and opportunities for growth.

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