Back to 3rd Grade

So, the kids went back to school this week.  All things considered, it was a smooth transition.  We officially have a 3rd grader at one school and the 2 boys are at the middle school (6th and 8th grades).  I know that kids all over the world grow up to the next grade each year.  But I find this truly remarkable...right here, under my own nose!

This has been such a reflective summer for me.  It started off in June, when I celebrated my 5 year mark...5 years since my cancer diagnosis.  And even though I thought this time would pass...that I would be able to fold up the last 5 years, neatly, and put them up on a shelf...it's the strangest thing.  I haven't been able to do that.  I'm reminded of it every day.

I was reminded of it on Monday, as I walked onto campus with C.  There we walked, hand in hand, to the classroom where 5 years previously I had walked Big C to 3rd grade.  (Well, different room, but same teacher!)  I remember shaking the young, first-year teacher's hand.  I remember explaining to him about my cancer, as I peered from underneath one of my many hats.  I remember his eyes, big and round as saucers.  "If you could just keep an eye on Big C," I said.  "It's been a tough time on him too."

I remember.

I remember being so thrilled that I felt well enough to take the kids to school that day 5 years ago.  I had already begun my chemo treatments.  Little C was just 3 years old and was still home with me.  I remember thanking God that I was the one to send the boys off to 1st and 3rd grade.  It was a prayer answered.  I remember.

So Monday, my mind was flooded with thoughts of the last 5 years, again.

We had brought by C's supplies to class, earlier the past week and talked diabetes with him.  And, since he is already familiar with our family, the diabetes issue was not a surprise.  We greeted Mr. H.  We talked for just a few minutes.  Soon, we will be scheduling a 504 meeting soon, after things settle down a bit.  I really just wanted to go over the very basics with him.  C handed him a very cute pink box, loaded with D stuff.  Teacher and C decided together where the best place would be for it...easy access to her extra meter, juice boxes, snacks and such.

We shook hands and turned to leave.  He expressed to C how happy he was to see her name on his class list.  "This will be a great year!" he said.  "I remember having Big C in class 5 years ago."

"Yes," I replied.  "I so remember.  This will be a great year!"