Happy Birthday, Bird! I carried you literally, and I'll carry you always. I made the mistake of listening to the playlist I made you for your high school graduation. Loves Me Like a Rock came on, and I got teary. I’ve always been a weepy person, but motherhood has really … [Read more...] about Happy 19th Birthday, Bird!
Bird
It’s a Small World After All
tappity-tap-tap There was an ever so faint knock at the door. With a fussy baby nestled in my arms, I peeked out the window and saw a little blond kid, our neighbor Adam. “Can I bring baby Bird to my school for Show and Tell?” he asked. I literally LOLed. Of course I said … [Read more...] about It’s a Small World After All
Missing My (Not So) Little Boy
Fresh air is fuel. I took a walk around the park in my neighborhood the other day to feel the invigorating breeze of early autumn and to clear my head. My son has been away at school 800 miles away for about two months now. Parents' weekend came and went. We already had plans to … [Read more...] about Missing My (Not So) Little Boy
He’s 18 today.
Dear Bird, You are 18 today. EIGHTEEN. It is a strange phenomenon that you grow and age while I retain my youthful glow, eternally stuck in decades far younger than my chronological years. I see in you glimpses of the boy you were, and when you were little I tucked away … [Read more...] about He’s 18 today.
Thanks, Teachers
Thirteen years in our wonderful public school system went out in a sputter as my oldest son closed a tab to end his last day of classes his senior year. He remarked how anticlimactic it was, a disappointing end to a difficult year. The class of 2021 demonstrated equal parts grit … [Read more...] about Thanks, Teachers
Happy 17th Birthday, Bird!
My son is a fierce protector of the proletariat. His brain works in ways I cannot comprehend, and it's no secret he's always six steps ahead of me. To be honest, half the time I nod my head and pretend to know what he's talking about. He is deep. He poses questions that … [Read more...] about Happy 17th Birthday, Bird!
On the Eve of the First Day of School – 2020 Edition
Dear Bird and Deal, I usually write you a letter before the beginning of the school year to tell you what I hope the year ahead holds for you. My feelings are more complex and jumbled this year. Even as a writer, I struggle to put words to my emotions. I can’t quite name what … [Read more...] about On the Eve of the First Day of School – 2020 Edition