School Scramble

Julia this is your school! Aren't you excited?! Just kidding, this will be your school now. And oh yeah, you can't wear all of those adorable clothes I bought you and the sparkly pink and purple chucks Fr. Uncle Dan gave you, but I'll talk daddy into letting us keep them. But look! You get to wear a dress EVERY day...Boy, I sure hope we don't screw up this parenting thing too bad. Since April we have been set to send Julia to Crozet Elementary. We filled out every form, went through every motion, attended orientation sessions. But these past 2 weeks I have felt unsettled. Kind of an idiopathic feeling. I was in tears Monday night after handing over school supplies, but I couldn't explain it as I snapped at MFS over the phone when he asked how the school orientation went. I chalked it up to the sadness of sending my first born to school, exhaustion and Camp Fantastic baby blues. My sweet husband has been analyzing my behavior the past few weeks and he was able to pinpoint what I couldn't verbalize. So before I headed to work Monday night, we had a discussion of what was really going on inside my head and heart. And relief swept over me when my insightful husband said, "I think what is going on is that you don't feel comfortable sending Jujube to Crozet. It doesn't feel right to you. And I think faith is a big component. You want her to be loved. And you want her to be secure. And I think we need to stop worrying about where we live and where we go on vacation and what is the next house project and do right by our children."

Of course MFS already set a plan into action calling all the needed people before talking with me and presto, change-o we were at Charlottesville Catholic School the very next day filling out paperwork, testing Julia and rummaging through the uniform closet. And re-buying school supplies and apparel. In the midst of the chaotic day I felt at peace. From the moment I stepped foot in the building. Besides the welcoming committee that greeted us at the door, her teacher Mrs. Hathaway even called us that afternoon to chat and introduce herself. We are home and it is a wonderful feeling.

There were many reasons why we switched schools, some of which may seem small. I won't go into detail. Perhaps the convicted child molester living proximal to the new bus stop that the county is refusing to move was not the straw that broke the camel's back, but in the end it just didn't feel right to us. We want Julia to feel loved. We don't want her to slip through the cracks. We want her to be surrounded by our faith community through her daily learning. We want to belong to a school that feels like family. (I want her wear navy blue knee socks as I once did.)

I am just so proud of Julia, my heart is bursting. She is smart. She is intuitive. She is flexible. Though all of this, she has been incredible. Yesterday after she was tested, she said, Mommy, I like my other school.

But we want you to go to this school.

Why?

Because I like it here. (Because your mother is neurotic and your parents are crazy and like to keep things interesting.) You will see friends from your catechises class and even your preschool. They will look out for you and love you and take good care of you here.

But I want to stay at the other school.

Why?

Because Alex will be in my class.

Sweetheart, Alex lives just 2 houses down from us. You can see her after school and on the weekends.

Whispering in my ear, If it's important to you, I'll come here. But only if you promise I can have play dates with Alex. And Maggie.

Deal. I promise. You agree to come here?

I agree because I don't want to disappoint you. (Note to self. Set aside some money for future therapy.) When can I play with Alex?

So my tears this morning were tears of joy. Joy that God has faithfully led us to make this decision and remind us of the joyful sacrifices we must make to guide our children He has blessed us with. Joy that Jujube didn't look the least bit apprehensive. Joy that she quickly found her seat and took to the classroom and teacher so naturally. Joy that my little girl has set off on a new adventure of her own in a loving, faith-filled environment. And she looked pretty darn cute in her blue plaid jumper too.

Later at my first car line at pick-up time Mrs. Hathaway walked Julia to the van and as she gave me two thumbs up Julia started yelling, "Mom! I made a new friend today! He's a BOY. His name is Carter." She was smiling from ear to ear and said she loved her new school. It was a very, very good day.