Oh, hey guys, heyyyyyyy. I'm just going to do that thing where you wave at someone thinking it's someone else, then realize it's not the person that you thought and throwing your hand quickly to your hair as though you always raise your entire arm to run your fingers through your luxurious mane and pretend that I haven't ignored this blog for over two months.
That cool? Cool.
It's back to school time and parents are either "hayyyyyyyy hayyyyy hayyyyy FREEDOM" or "uncontrollable sobbing...just in diapers...something else about baby" and I happen to fall somewhere in between. I like the structure and stability that comes with a schedule, but it is quite bittersweet to see them all so grown up and what not.
Yesterday the two oldest boys in the family had their first day. According to both it was a smashing success! {I'm overly cautious about sharing info on these sweet boys because they have other parents and I try to be respectful} I will so say I am very grateful to my son's stepmother because she went through hell and high water to get all of his school supplies for us because she knew I was working an insane schedule. We were also blessed by my stepson's mom to get pictures, first thing, of him on his way to school. Those boys are such a blessing. I love them so.
A very happy boy on the first day thanks to the work of many: stepmom, stepdad, grandparents, friends! It takes a village!
Our baby girl had her first day today and started it with pictures on the same lawn I grew up taking pictures on. Her cousins are attending her school as well and she was so excited to meet them and her Popsy for an early morning photo sesh.
We took first day of school pics in that same spot every year growing up. So special to have recreated it today!
Yes, they are that adorable. They also cray.
See? They cray.
I knew who her teacher was, but didn't get a chance to meet her at meet the teacher because I was working late. We were able to see her class, but just missed meeting her teacher. Of course we love having Aunt Katie at school to greet us on the first day and show us what to do!
My two favorite Katie Girls.
Her teacher is so special, y'all. I'm so insanely excited for Kate to learn from this woman.
Back in the day, her father-in-law, Sam Thomas, was my elementary school principal. He was tall, had dark hair and wore glasses. He was kind, unassuming and had the enviable ability to put anyone at ease quite instantly...even if you were called to the office for putting a bowl of marbles on top of your head and losing most of them in an effort to get your friends to laugh but I know nothing about that. He wasn't my principal for long, but he was one of the most impactful educators I had.
Exactly as I remember him.
My mom and dad were hardworking parents with five kids. It was not uncommon for after school pick-ups to not happen right when the bell rang...or even 30 minutes after that, which I was fine with. I had monkey bars, sand pits, slides all to myself and my friend Sarah who also came from a large family with hardworking parents. We made a lot of memories during those after school hours and I'm grateful for all those late pickups.
I was often sent to the office to wait until someone was able to get me. Shockingly I was quite a talker growing up and more often than not ate the ears of anyone who would listen. Sometimes I would talk about my day, sometimes I would tell stories I had concocted while I was slaying dragons, climbing castles and rescuing puppies in my imagination on the playground or some days I would just recite words directly from Laura or Ramona as though they were my own. I'm sure it was very, you know, NOT annoying at all.
One afternoon I suddenly became very aware that this particular audience did not appreciate my stories. I was genuinely shocked.
I remember that feeling perfectly and when I feel it, even as an adult, I flash back to that day. I instantly felt embarrassment and shame. Even that young, I knew that I needed to be quiet, be different, NOT be me to make everyone around me more comfortable.
I grew silent and looked at my hands. I wasn't going to look up or talk till my mama came and I was going to go home and have a good cry. Alone.
Suddenly I feel a
tap, tap, tap
on my shoulder. I look up to see my Principal standing there. "Oh, dear Lawd, I've gotten in trouble for being a loud, big mouth with the big guy at school. Oh man! Be quiet, Patricia. Why can't you just ever be more quiet?"
Mr. Thomas lifted up my chin, looked me right in the eyes and said, "That's a lot of words you have to say, Patricia. I'm impressed.
Don't stop telling your stories.
I know you'll do big things with all those words someday."
I remember that every time I have used my words to console my sweet kids, to tell my husband how much I love him; when my words have won awards or greeted an eager crowd I have thought of the little girl who felt she shouldn't use them and am grateful for the man who encouraged her to use them with purpose.
Thomas Tuesday!
I thought it would be fitting to his memory to start back the ol' bloggy blog today to celebrate educators everywhere who leave lasting impressions on their students and put some of those words to use instead of hide them. I have no doubt Ms. Thomas carries on her father-in-law's legacy and I'm so thrilled for Kate to know that great man through her new teacher.
I figured it would also be fitting to reunite with of my favorite other teachers, Coach Wylie, as well. So looking forward to that reunion.
But more about that tomorrow.
Here's to Wylie Wednesday at the Lab, the Thomas legacy and not only using our gifts, but encouraging others to find theirs.