First Flight

After a full week of surviving the real struggle as both Mom and teacher, the time came to face the realization that J.D. is going to DC and the need for pants or shorts with buttons was in order for the planned Potomac River cruise night. He had a specific look in mind and that look involved an aloha shirt, pink shorts, and white sneaks. You can take the boy out of Hawaii but you apparently can’t take the Hawaii out of the boy. For a kid who has defaulted to black and grey Nike everything for the last 4 years, I am overjoyed to buy anything with a hint of color and buttons. He’s nervous that he’s going to forget something and most likely he will. All I knew was that I needed to buy some Gold Bond powder to prevent chafing. Apparently walking all day in near 90 degree temps will wreak havoc on the inner thighs etc. Just imagine how special those buses are going to smell.

I have read about 17 different riot acts regarding trip behavior to J.D., all of which have ended with a threat—some more colorful than others. 95 8th graders. Bless these chaperones, bless them. There is not enough craft beer, tequila, or Milk Duds in the world to ease their inevitable pain this week. As a teacher of high schoolers, I have seen firsthand the maturity level of this age bracket en masse. I, a non-religious woman, will say a few prayers this week and mostly for the chaperones. At least 7 Hail Marys are in order. Hail Mary, full of grace, share that grace with these adults herding cats…

As we finish up our packing tonight and J.D. paces about the house, I sit here and write trying to sum up the many emotions I feel. On the one hand, I’m so happy that these kids are getting to go on this trip. Each age group lost a lot during the pandemic and these kids are no exception. This wobbly year-long return to normalcy seems to be ending on all the right notes with kids doing exactly what they should be. On the other hand, I would be lying if I said I’m not nervous. Both J.D. and I had nervous stomachs today and I’m pretty dang sick of having tummy troubles. Maire and Isaac are startled by his leaving and the pivotal role he plays here has suddenly become very apparent. “Do you guys need hugs?” he asked them tonight. They both did.

Texting back and forth with other Moms handling their kids tonight, I realized just how much magic we weave. I wrapped J.D.’s toiletries in baggies inside his toiletry bag so that if one thing busts open it won’t get all over everything; meanwhile I heard from another Mom who also bought the spray powder and Poopouri for her son, resulting in a hilarious conversation. What could be more magical than all of us moms having to explain chafing and how spray powder is not that poisonous? I have no idea how this trip will go over the next few days but I do know that this kid, my J.D., is ready. I am so excited that he’s going but completely homesick for the little guy he once was. But, just like I came home to an empty robin’s nest one day after the tiny fledglings had left, tomorrow I will come home to a less full house. Mornings will be strange for Isaac (he just said “you are going to DC tomorrow, I will not see you at the bus stop), dinners will be strange for all of us. Despite all that, I am happy to let him go and be a touch more independent. Isn’t this what it’s all about? Have fun kids! We’ll miss you❤️