Some Say 11/11 Means Angels Are Near ...

Twelve years ago today, we met him for the first time, and all the pieces of my heart finally clicked into place.

Happy Meetcha Day Owen

The More Things Change ...

Owen's first day of kindergarten ...

and his first day of middle school.

Today, as he navigates his first day at the largest middle school in North Carolina, I'm reflecting on that morning, six years ago. This is a snippet of what I wrote back on September 4th, 2012:

I sit here typing this in a very quiet house, having taken Owen to his first day of kindergarten at Carroll Lutheran School this morning. The only disruption is Beamer jumping on the desk for a cuddle (and flurry of cat hair), and I'm pleased to report that so far, I'm doing OK.

Yesterday was tough - I was keenly aware of the hours of the last day of life as I'd known it ticking away - and since I cried at both Open House Night and Cookies & Me (meet the teachers), I fully expected to sob this morning. 

It's not that I'm not sad; I'll miss my little buddy tremendously. And I expect that right now the reality of him being gone all day every day hasn't even sunk in, and that I will have some ups and downs over the next weeks. But I realize I have been incredibly blessed to be able to stay at home with him over the past five and a half years, and I am so thankful for that experience and opportunity. 

I purposely planned some errands for this afternoon, and maybe I'll even get in a quick trip to Kohl's, and then of course I will be one of the first in line at 3:00 to pick up Owen and give him a huge hug. 

A lot has changed; more remains the same. I've been in my usual end of school funk for a few days now. I truly love our summers together and this one was particularly fun, making traditions and friends, and enjoying a relaxed schedule and new adventures.

We've met his teachers and the principal; I have faith in their enthusiasm and ability to guide Owen in his educational journey. I know that he will, in his own way and in his own time, make Community House a comfortable place (he will, he will, he will).

His amazing, incredible teacher from last year, Mrs. DeLuca, sent an email this morning encouraging all her former students as they started 6th grade. In her words: "You are more ready than you think. More capable than you know. And more wonderful than you can imagine".

I cried as I read it to him; I cried as I watched him walk to the bus stop this morning. It doesn't ever get easier. So I ran some errands this afternoon and took a little shopping trip, and I will be the first car in line to pick him up after cross country practice at 6:00.

And I will again, and every single day he'll let me, give him a huge hug.

And Then He Was 12

He talks football stats and strategy non-stop and throws a beautiful spiral. He loves to swim and fish; and eats crabs and lobster and shrimp and octopus and mussels and just about everything else that comes from the sea.

His memory is amazing - for everything but where he last put his shoes. He's lucky at games and cards; six more years and I'm taking him to Vegas.

He's got his own style - brightly dyed hair, stacked Lokai bracelets and mismatched socks.

He still likes to cuddle up on the couch and will hold my hand in public (as long as there aren't too many people around), and says he "loves me more".

He's given us 12 years of joy; today we give him Happy Birthday wishes.

Feet First

We drove north an hour to the back roads of Mooresville; new friends spilling out of the car, arms full of beach towels and picnic fixings, as we arrived at the quarry of Carrington Farms. 

My cautious kid was a bit unsure about jumping in at first - the rocks seemed high and treacherous, the water dark and deep. But with a little support (from me and the life vest) he jumped, feet first.

Two years ago today, we all made the leap. Walked through the front door of 17126 Hedgerow Park Rd for the first time. And each day that we live and love in the Queen City makes me more thankful for our sweet life here.

Wishing you the courage, faith and support to jump feet first. 

A Family Vacation

Washington DC - a place of dreams, power, ideals and scandal. Despite my despair and disappointment in the current administration and the state of American politics in general (both sides of the aisle), I do love a visit to our nation's capital. Add a few jam-packed, walk-about days spent with my family, donut mornings and game nights, a short but sweet visit from Tim and Cearra, plus blissfully mild weather for July in "the swamp", and our annual vacation was a great one.

We gathered for the week in a rambling old gem of a home near Dupont Circle, built as the rectory of St. Augustine's Church and once used as a Civil War hospital. Full of niches, stained glass, gargoyles and gorgeous woodwork and topped off by a roof top terrace with a Washington Monument view.

And across the street, the House of the Temple, officially the "Home of The Supreme Council, 33, Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction". Owen, Nana and I took the free tour.

We walked and walked and walked. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and National Mall. The Museum of Natural History (hello Chinese fanged deer and marlin skeleton) and the National Museum of the American Indian (gorgeous bead work and words of wisdom).

The details I love about this city; the history in the street lights and building facades; the artistry and grace of a neighborhood threshold and the smile of seeing a familiar sisterhood.

 

Lastly, the National Zoo. Lions and Tigers and (Panda) Bears.

 

And, of course, these four. Cousins. Friends. Laughing over shared meals, huddling close making silly videos and giggling, creating memories to last their lifetimes.