A New Era

It's 8:30 am on this Monday morning. The house is quiet except for the sound of me typing and the dishwasher going. I'm all alone. It's just me. 30 minutes ago I put my kids on the bus bound for their first day of school. For JJ and Zach it was no big deal. They've done this before. But Elijah, this is his first day of Kindergarten. I suppose every parent gets emotional when their kids go to school for the first time, especially if it's their last kid. But Elijah is special.

One year ago the sweet teachers at North Metro CDC were prying Elijah out of the car kicking and screaming! That went on for almost 2 weeks. Then we found out that he has a sensory disorder which just makes things harder for him. He's been a difficult child and this is why. So we started him in occupational therapy in May. Wow! Do I have a different child now! He was up and ready for school at 6:20 this morning. He ate, brushed his teeth and made his bed just like his big brothers. We walked up to the bus stop with him carrying his Spiderman backpack and he got on the bus, just like his big brothers. I am just in shock! He is a new child! Now at school, hopefully doing well. I pray that God protects him and helps him adjust. He has done a complete 180 and I am so proud of him!

But now I sit here alone in this quiet house for the first time in 11 years! I'm almost not sure what to do with myself. I have to do the typical things I do on Monday like go to the grocery store. But it's just me. I don't have to stop in the middle of the day to pick anyone up from PreK. I didn't have to drive anyone to school. I a bit at a loss. It's freeing and sad all at the same time. I've always looked forward to this time on my own...but now I'm not so sure I like it. I guess it will just take some getting used to. I start work soon anyway so that will take up half my days. I guess now it is time to find the real me somewhere past the mom.

And yes, I cried like a baby after the bus left with my boys, including Elijah, on it.