Return to school

As I went to bed last night, I was convinced that I broke my foot and would be spending today at the doctor's office. Such was the reason that Kenny opted to dismiss 10 hours of OT and stay home to help me out. Being the wonderful husband that he is, he even took over the morning ritual to allow me some extra zzz's.

When I finally roused from my slumber, I was relieved to find that my foot was in much better shape than what I suspected it would be. After putting some weight on it without any mishaps, I knew that my day wouldn't be so bad after all. So when Kenny told me that Jason requested that I come to his book fair at school, I was in. More so, I thought it would be a nice surprise if I also brought along lunch and joined him with his friends. Sounded like a good plan, so that's just what I did.

It's the first time that I've had lunch with Jason at school; something that he has invited me to several times. As I arrived with lunch in hand, I was thrilled to see the look on his face. It was evident that he was proud to have me there...something that I'm sure will fade in another few years. Note to self: must remember to enjoy these moments while they last.

I'm sure that one of the reasons that he was so proud to have me there was due to the fact that he automatically became Mr. Popular. It seemed as though every student in his class asked to be selected as his "lunch buddy". (When a student has a parent come in for lunch, they can invite 2 other students to join them.) To ward off any hurt feelings, I decided that I'd sit at the main lunch table allowing as many of Jason's friends to sit with us as possible.




I admit that as we all settled in and my eyes began to dart around the lunch table, I started to label those whom I thought would in a few short years blossom into the popular ones, the class clowns, the wall flowers, the outcasts, the brainiacs and the jocks. I know what you're thinking; and you don't have to tell me how politically incorrect I am to classify a group of 6 & 7 year olds based on my own life experiences. Yes, I am shallow.

However, the kids didn't do anything of the sort. It's funny; at this age, they don't see color or financial class or any of the other knee jerk stereotypes that so many adults do. They just accept their classmates and others around them based on character. For example, more than one child confided in me regarding their dislike for a particular classmate. Their reason for their disdain: he calls others nasty names and hits people. And once again, I am judging this poor kid as abused, neglected and on the road to trouble. How I long for the innocence of a child and to quiet my own voices of judgement and jade.

Once I was able to put myself in check, I started to notice things beyond our lunch table. And I've come to the realization that not much has changed since I was in grade school. There is still a crabby lunch lady with smoker's lines in her face. Kids still trade the contents of their lunch. They still knowingly push the boundaries with the substitute teacher. Recess goes by way too fast and there are still boogers under the desks.

After spending a few dollars at the book fair and sitting in on Jason's music class, I decided it was time for me to head home. As I left, I noticed (mostly by odor) the older classes who had began to line the halls with their presence. They were there to welcome a returning 4th grade class who had spent the day at some sort of academic contest. The faculty wanted to give them a hero's welcome, which I thought was a very nice gesture. As I exited the main campus door, I could hear Kool & The Gang singing "Celebration" as the 4th grade class returned through another door. "Celebrate good times....come on, let's celebrate!". Yes indeed, these are the days to celebrate. I wonder if these kids know that.