As I’ve written about before, I’ve been so worried for Sam and Ellie to start this school year. Their school only offers a five-day, FULL day, option.

WHAT IF they weren’t ready for thirty hours of school a week? WHAT IF they hadn’t had enough PJ days with Mommy? WHAT IF their class was too crowded with 18 kids? WHAT IF they came home so exhausted every day that they fell right to sleep and my only contact with them was dressing and undressing them for school?
I dealt with all these fears in my usual way: planned and planned (and prayed, some). None of the WHAT IFs could come true because I would make their first week back so organized and flawless.
If I noticed any problems, anything amiss, I would tackle it. I would watch the teacher and her environment carefully, looking for places I could volunteer. I would make sure our home was clean and organized so Sam and Ellie would be free to learn and play. I would attend each and every back to school event so that I could understand every policy and procedure. No WHAT IFs this week.
I think I even made that proclamation to M. last weekend.
And then…
…a ginormous WHAT IF.
SIX DAYS OF STREP THROAT, COLD, AND SINUS INFECTION.
Friends, you know I’m sickly, but I’ve never been through anything like this. Tylenol and Advil every two hours for the high fever (103) and body aches. My throat so swollen there was no room for anything but soup. Sinuses cemented shut.
I have been through childbirth of twins, and this was still a more painful week.
Oh, and those twins?
The ones who I was afraid couldn’t handle any WHAT IFs?
They did.
Because, of course, I made it to none of the Back to School Bashes or Teacher Meet and Greets. M. went with all the kids. He took care of everything.
And, it all went perfectly. The twins were enthusiastic, eager learners.
We’re three days into the school year, and already know we can handle whatever WHAT IFs will come our way.

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