Endings and Beginnings...

We just ended H's first year of school. Kindergarten. He missed it all. The whole year. Milestones. Something we will never get back. E started preschool and has one more year before she can start kindergarten. That's it, our last shot at it. Oh I know life is full of firsts but I never thought I would be facing them all alone. Of course while the school year was winding down, ballet was winding up for their big performance of the year. This was my first year with a child in school, so when I saw that the performance was the day after school got out, I did not think too much about it. When the flier went out asking for volunteers to help with make up, costumes, etc, I did not think too much about it. I spent my time out in the ballet "sweatshop" making tutus, sewing, gluing etc. When I got the rehearsal schedule, I thought I would figure a way to juggle it all. We had graduation, bridging ceremony, practice, rehearsal, swimming lessons, regular class, a field trip, and I managed to keep juggling. S came up to help me the last few days, and I could not have made it over the finish line without her. things got a little hairy at dress rehearsal, it was way over time, the communication was not good, I was trying to entertain a flock of 6 year olds in full costume, and a very well meaning, stressed out individual decided to speak to me in a less than respectful manner in front of the children, about a matter that could have been simply resolved. Not really a good idea. Not after my week. I never raised my voice, but I know my point was made. The actual performance went off swimmingly. H was thrilled to once again be on the stage. As a matter of fact she has been actively producing her own shows for some time, the last one in my living room, where she cast herself as director, producer and star (snow white), and she cast her sister as the prince, all seven dwarves and the forest animals. She is quite something. She loves her time on the stage and does not seem to have any fear of it, wonder where she gets that? After the performance we left right for the airport. We flew down to San Diego to spend a week with A&M, it was baby A's first birthday, and they held the party until we could join them. It was lovely and that little girl is devine. The girls adore her, and have made up their own song about her. We spent time at the beach, the park, shopping, the boardwalk, and just hanging out. It was good to see them all. We flew in and S met me at the airport so she could take the girls and I could come directly over and spend time with him. And here I be. Our school year ended, and the summer begins. His drug therapy has begun. The time of inactivity has ended. It is they cycle of life, endings and beginnings. We do not always know when we open a door where it will take us. If it will lead to a brick wall or open to beautiful possibility. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Endings and Beginnings...