Back To School 2021: One in College, One in High School

Back to School 2021 was different. For the first time, I had a son in college and one at home. After this year, there will be only one more “back to school” in our virtual school classroom. I’m excited for my kids and, at the same time, full of emotion as I know that this season of life is coming to a close.

Saying Goodbye to my Eldest while Distracted by Pain

A week before school started, I said goodbye to Ken. He and Dave drove his car out to Boise in preparation for moving into the dorm. Dan and I stayed home to get the school room ready for a new school year.  

I cried as the Camaro pulled out of the driveway for the last time. Ken is off on a great adventure, and I’m so very happy for him. After 13 years of virtual school, he was excited to learn in person and meet some new friends!

Dan and I spent the week figuring out new routines with just the two of us. I was distracted from many of the emotions because I was in enormous pain after vacation. The trip was good for my soul but terrible for my physical therapy progress for my most recent medical challenge.

The Cause of My Pain: A Herniated Disc

 I left on vacation in the middle of treatment for a herniated disc in my cervical spine. The thumb and index fingers in my left hand have been tingling and numb for months. After many doctors visits, I had finally received a diagnosis. The underlying cause was a herniated disc pressing on the C7 nerve root in my spine. Before the vacation, I’d been steadily improving with twice a week physical therapy and daily exercises.

 I returned from vacation, relaxed from the beach, but in excruciating pain. The stabbing sensations in my shoulder and back were a definite distractor from the emotions of Ken leaving. I was too busy rolling around in agony each morning to reflect on the fact that he wasn’t going to come home anytime soon.

Rearranging the School Room

As the week progressed, I sorted out my medication to keep the pain level down to more of a dull ache. Returning to physical therapy helped relieve some of the muscle spasms in my back. With the recovery going in the right direction, it was time to get to work preparing the school room for a new year.

With only one student in the school room, Dan had the opportunity to move to a larger desk. So, one night, we took the modular desk system apart and moved things around. This was quite the event because I am not able to lift anything. Thankfully, Dan is quite strong, and he was able to get the desks moved around with only a little help from me.  

Twas the Night Before School, and I Was Sobbing

On Sunday, the night before school started, I went to my desk to prepare the back-to-school signs. I print out similar ones each year, and I change the start date and the grade. The tears began to flow as I realized I wasn’t going to print out a sign for Ken. 

Then, I went to the chalkboard to make a new welcome sign. I erased the congratulations sign from the end of the school year and put the latest information on it. The tears crescendoed into a full-blown symphony. I’m surprised I didn’t cry the letters right off of the sign. 

I hung the welcome board up and sat down at my desk, my face covered in tears, with Dave and Dan looking on helplessly. Clearly, the reality of a soon-to-be empty nest was hitting me. 

I retreated up to my room to finish out the emotional meltdown. Dave offered to take me out for a drive, but I wasn’t up for it. So instead, he and Dan enjoyed a Sunday drive, and I found a funny tv show to watch. 

Later that evening, Dave and I had a wonderful FaceTime with Ken. He shared his latest college stories, and it was a lift to our spirits to see him. Seeing him smile made me feel so much better. I am so happy for him and this new phase in his life. 

A Fresh Perspective in the Morning

The first day of school dawned, and I put out the first day of school signs on the desk chairs. Thankfully, I wasn’t feeling as emotional as I had been the night before.

At 9AM, Dan logged in to his homeroom and began the orientation. Dave was chatting on the phone in his office, and the beagles were holding down the couch. It felt like our typical day-to-day school routine, minus one kid.  

I don’t know exactly how the next few years will play out, but I’m grateful for the many back-to-school years I shared with both of my boys. They will do school apart this year, and our home will feel different.  

Patience, and a lot of Kleenex, will help me get through the tough times. I will relish the moments I get to share with Dan and enjoy the stories I get from Ken. Back to School 2021 marks the beginning of a new phase in our family life. 

How did back to school go for you and your kids (or grandkids)? I know many families are back to in-person learning this year after two years of virtual schooling. Feel free to share your stories in the comments below.