(There are a lot of links below. Please, spend some time reading, especially the ones further down )
December 16th was the day my dear friend, Cindy Feldman - of blessed memory - was born. She pursued life with the passion of someone who knew why she was placed in the world. You can 'meet' her here: Cindy's Curls
December 16, 2012 was the day my grandmother, Fritzi Polovin - obm - died at 98 years old. (98 Is Great) We weren't exactly done with her, but she was ready to move on. This year, I'll be serving cottage cheese pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, and maybe even venturing to I-Hop for a meal (her very famous and favorites).
December 16, 2013 - The funeral for Superman Sam z"l will be held at Shalom Memorial in Arlington Heights - the same place where my grandmother was 'laid to rest'. Sam had leukemia. I didn't know him. I don't know his mom. I discovered her blog "This Messy Life" and followed it - because her writing is beautiful. She is able to use her words to make you feel life. It was from that blog that I discovered her "Superman Sam" blog and her family's war against Leukemia.
And, I started praying and hoping. I realize, again, that I have no idea what she or the rest of her family and friends are feeling right now. But Superman Sam's mom writes so powerfully and honestly that you feel like you are a part of her world. Her thoughts and questions, sorrow and bewilderment, hope and strength penetrate to your soul and give you a sense… just a sense.
She writes and you feel.
You become a part of Sam's life.
Praying for his miracle.
Devastation.
***
We all have our favorite charitable organizations - ones that war against illnesses we wish didn't exist. Illnesses we hope to eliminate from this world.
We even have our favorite cancer-fighting movement.
I support Cycle for Survival. This foundation was started by my brother's childhood friend, Dave Linn, and his wife Jennifer Goodman-Linn. She fought sarcoma for seven years. They started Cycle for Survival to raise money that goes directly to research for orphan cancers (making up 50% of cancer diagnoses), including pediatric cancer.
This year, Scottsdale is hosting a satellite location. Please come ride with us on January 12th beginning at 9:00 am at the JCC on Scottsdale and Sweetwater. You can sign up here on the team I'll be riding with:
Team Linn
You get in a workout, and we raise money for cancer research.
My friend, Joy Solon Weber, introduced me to the Pablove Foundation. Pablove is a non-profit raising money for pediatric cancer. Joy's husband, Adam, rides with the Pablove Foundation from the Bay to LA and has already completed the ride this year, but we can still help him reach his fundraising goal : Donate to Adam's Ride
Just before Thanksgiving in 2010, my dear friend's niece - Lindsey Eyles - battle against sarcoma ended. I support CureSearch in memory of Lindsey and in the hopes that children (and adults) will no longer have to go through what the Eyles family went through and continues to go through every day since Lindsey's death.
On March 31, 2014 - 36 Rabbis will be "Shaving for the Brave". The brave is Superman Sam, and these rabbis are part of the St. Baldrick's Foundation efforts to eradicate childhood cancer by putting on low-cost events in order to give larger sums of money to research and prevention efforts.
On March 4, 2014 - you can participate with Coaches Against Cancer at the Sports Authority in Arizona Mills. You can shave your head, volunteer, or just donate.
December 16th will stand out boldly from the rest of the year for the rest of my life. This world is broken, and we are charged with the task of fixing it.
Even a dollar will take us closer to finding a cure and eradicating cancer.
I have also been touched by the work of :
Peach's Neet Feet - From Our Heart to Your Sole
and
Miles 2 Give
December 15, 2013
October 29, 2013
Oxygen
Moms, why don't we speak to each other more often? Not about who is struggling in school or who made the soccer team or how busy our days are. But, about mothering things.
Like children pushing our buttons. And the mommy moments we wish didn't happen (but are relieved to hear that our mommy friends also had). Or the limits our children push us to - really push us to.
The things that make us say "I suck at this". "I can't take another day" or "What did I get myself into?"
It was so nice to speak with a friend today and learn that we are living with the same children. The one who can't get up in the morning, takes a lot of prodding... a lot, needs to be reminded to
'get going' while in the shower, 'get out' and 'you have one more minute - last time I'm telling you'.
The child who shrieks - at least once a day. Well, really - once in the morning and once in the evening. And, we've learned that the shriek does not symbolize anything real so we call from another room: "You're fine. Do you want an ice pack? Come and get it."
We both have the child with a bit (ok, a lot) of anxiety. Maneuvering through life is difficult. Watching that pushes our buttons. We can only handle observing panic in our children for so long or so many times a day. And, then it's time for them to go live in someone else's house.
But, then we realize we should be a different mother. The one who knows their child so well and knows what he or she needs and can actually give it to them without consulting a therapist. Or at least we should be the mother who is patient and understanding and supportive. The one with the magic key to turn off the panic and instill calm.
There is the child who is starting to sass and observe our stupidity and is not afraid to let us know it. They are establishing their independence but they are babies. They are lost but they know where they want to go. Their attitudes sometimes smack us across the face in an unexpected burst.
We also both have the child who brings sweetness to every moment. Who makes us think that parenthood could be easy and calm and delightful - all the time.
My friend and I, we acknowledged how essential it is for mothers to nurture themselves in order to be a better person for their children. The oxygen mask - put it on first, before you put it on your children if, G-d forbid, there is an emergency on the plane. I told the flight attendant that I always put myself first. I hope he knows I was joking. Then again, I hope he recognized what a great mom I am to put myself first.
Like children pushing our buttons. And the mommy moments we wish didn't happen (but are relieved to hear that our mommy friends also had). Or the limits our children push us to - really push us to.
The things that make us say "I suck at this". "I can't take another day" or "What did I get myself into?"
It was so nice to speak with a friend today and learn that we are living with the same children. The one who can't get up in the morning, takes a lot of prodding... a lot, needs to be reminded to
'get going' while in the shower, 'get out' and 'you have one more minute - last time I'm telling you'.
The child who shrieks - at least once a day. Well, really - once in the morning and once in the evening. And, we've learned that the shriek does not symbolize anything real so we call from another room: "You're fine. Do you want an ice pack? Come and get it."
We both have the child with a bit (ok, a lot) of anxiety. Maneuvering through life is difficult. Watching that pushes our buttons. We can only handle observing panic in our children for so long or so many times a day. And, then it's time for them to go live in someone else's house.
But, then we realize we should be a different mother. The one who knows their child so well and knows what he or she needs and can actually give it to them without consulting a therapist. Or at least we should be the mother who is patient and understanding and supportive. The one with the magic key to turn off the panic and instill calm.
There is the child who is starting to sass and observe our stupidity and is not afraid to let us know it. They are establishing their independence but they are babies. They are lost but they know where they want to go. Their attitudes sometimes smack us across the face in an unexpected burst.
We also both have the child who brings sweetness to every moment. Who makes us think that parenthood could be easy and calm and delightful - all the time.
My friend and I, we acknowledged how essential it is for mothers to nurture themselves in order to be a better person for their children. The oxygen mask - put it on first, before you put it on your children if, G-d forbid, there is an emergency on the plane. I told the flight attendant that I always put myself first. I hope he knows I was joking. Then again, I hope he recognized what a great mom I am to put myself first.
October 24, 2013
Hard is the New Hard
I've been watching you young mommies lately - with a bit of envy and a bit of horrifying flashback. I remember trying to get out the door with little ones in tow, having to make sure they were safely latched into their seats - because they cannot do it themselves, loading up the double stroller and finding ways to get through small, tight spaces, taking 45-minutes to load up for a five minute errand.
I remember missed naps, forced naps, driving to sleep naps (I can tell you where all the horse properties are in my neck of the woods and which horses are usually visible by a child peering out the window from his car seat). I remember meals that took hours (because massive clean up - and, perhaps, a bath was involved). I remember strategic planning on how to get to music classes while still preserving nap time and figuring out when I could get a bite to eat, or do the laundry or the dishes, or have a minute to sit down...
I remember thinking "I can't do this", "I need a break", and "my kids are driving me crazy". I enjoyed the moment but looked toward the future. I noticed moms with her four teenagers walking alongside her. I listened to the evolving conversations. I marveled at little children who had grown up big.
And, now I've learned. Hard is the new hard. I'm not sure which stage of children is easier and which stage is harder. I'm not sure it matters.
Putting my children in the car? That's easier. They can do it themselves - all of them - most of the time. Putting them to bed for the night? Uh, still hard. I have to try and stay awake long enough to see the oldest to bed. I have to make sure another one stops reading and turns off his light before he tumbles into bed. I still have to read to them (thankfully) and sing (sh'ma) before bed. And, yes, there are still struggles to get them to calm down and get into bed. Bedtime is often prolonged longer than I'd like. Children still come into my room with scary thoughts, I can't sleep, or I'm hungry issues. In fact, there is one in my bed right now. Oh - make that two.
And, now they have independence streaking through their little veins. They know more than me (and - if it's homework we're talking about - they do know more than me). Their personalities spend time each day working to get along with their siblings (that's the nice way of saying that the silly little tantrums of toddler-hood do not disappear - they evolve). Life is still a pinball machine and I continue to bounce between the four balls that someone put in my machine.
Motherhood is still non-stop. It continues to keep me up at night. There is still no privacy in the bathroom. The house is messier than ever (I know toddler-moms, you can't believe it!). And first-time listening appears to be a life-long feat.
I still run around, trying to manage the schedules of four under-scheduled children. We have our days where we go from one thing to the next. I went from trying to stay out and about until bedtime (especially on the nights when David was not home) to setting the clocks ahead so we can all go to sleep early.
There are many statements that are repeated on a daily basis: "Turn it off", "Pick up your clothes", "Empty your lunch boxes", "You need to use shampoo when you wash your hair", "Clear your spot".... I could go on.... and on..... and on.
Yep - hard is the new hard when it comes to motherhood. But, it's a good hard.
I remember missed naps, forced naps, driving to sleep naps (I can tell you where all the horse properties are in my neck of the woods and which horses are usually visible by a child peering out the window from his car seat). I remember meals that took hours (because massive clean up - and, perhaps, a bath was involved). I remember strategic planning on how to get to music classes while still preserving nap time and figuring out when I could get a bite to eat, or do the laundry or the dishes, or have a minute to sit down...
I remember thinking "I can't do this", "I need a break", and "my kids are driving me crazy". I enjoyed the moment but looked toward the future. I noticed moms with her four teenagers walking alongside her. I listened to the evolving conversations. I marveled at little children who had grown up big.
And, now I've learned. Hard is the new hard. I'm not sure which stage of children is easier and which stage is harder. I'm not sure it matters.
Putting my children in the car? That's easier. They can do it themselves - all of them - most of the time. Putting them to bed for the night? Uh, still hard. I have to try and stay awake long enough to see the oldest to bed. I have to make sure another one stops reading and turns off his light before he tumbles into bed. I still have to read to them (thankfully) and sing (sh'ma) before bed. And, yes, there are still struggles to get them to calm down and get into bed. Bedtime is often prolonged longer than I'd like. Children still come into my room with scary thoughts, I can't sleep, or I'm hungry issues. In fact, there is one in my bed right now. Oh - make that two.
And, now they have independence streaking through their little veins. They know more than me (and - if it's homework we're talking about - they do know more than me). Their personalities spend time each day working to get along with their siblings (that's the nice way of saying that the silly little tantrums of toddler-hood do not disappear - they evolve). Life is still a pinball machine and I continue to bounce between the four balls that someone put in my machine.
Motherhood is still non-stop. It continues to keep me up at night. There is still no privacy in the bathroom. The house is messier than ever (I know toddler-moms, you can't believe it!). And first-time listening appears to be a life-long feat.
I still run around, trying to manage the schedules of four under-scheduled children. We have our days where we go from one thing to the next. I went from trying to stay out and about until bedtime (especially on the nights when David was not home) to setting the clocks ahead so we can all go to sleep early.
There are many statements that are repeated on a daily basis: "Turn it off", "Pick up your clothes", "Empty your lunch boxes", "You need to use shampoo when you wash your hair", "Clear your spot".... I could go on.... and on..... and on.
Yep - hard is the new hard when it comes to motherhood. But, it's a good hard.
September 19, 2013
On The Edge
“And God said come to the edge." "I can't. I’m afraid." "Come to the edge." "I can't. I’ll fall" "Come to the edge." I went to the edge and God pushed me…….and I flew.”
― Guillaume Apollinaire
Life can change. Tomorrow. A day filled with instants. And, in one of those instants, life can change.
I'm going to the edge tomorrow and I know I may be a different person by the end of the day then I am now. I've been to the edge before. Had my toes on the line. But I've never gone over. Always been afforded the blessing of turning around. Of thanking G-d that my world would remain the same as it had been.
I'm pretty sure thats how it will be tomorrow - because that's how it always is - but that's what everyone thinks - before they go over. I sure don't feel any wings sprouting. And, even if I remain on my side of the edge, I think of all those who are being pushed over. The world changes every day and most of us don't know it. Most of us never have to spread our wings. Most of us don't have to soar after being pushed down.
Fear taunts us and plays with us and wastes our time. I can sit and dwell or I can go eat cookies.... with my Grommet cookie spoon.
I need one of these.
September 18, 2013
Lazy Mama
Even in a mother's laziness, there is no rest. As the holiday of Sukkot fast approaches, I find myself contemplating my most favorite theme of this harvest holiday. Going back to basics. Sukkot, to me, is almost an extension of Shabbat - Shabbat one step deeper. Not only do we turn off all that keeps us attached to the physical world (our cell phones, computers, ovens, cars, etc.) - but we leave our homes and enter the simplicity of living in a booth. It doesn't matter how extravagant our decorations nor how sparkly our lights, we all sit in the sukkah with three walls and a ceiling of skach that allows us to view the stars when we look up.
Sukkot beckons us to focus on the things in life that hold the utmost importance. It is our faith and our tradition that propel us to shake the lulav and the etrog - an action that holds no meaning whatsoever outside of this holiday. We spend time with friends and family, sharing meals and engaged in discussions about the gifts our ancestors left us with and how we can continue to make the world a better place for those who will come after us.
We return to basics. We overflow with gratitude for the roof over our heads, for the food we have to eat, for the family and community that surround us. We don't have to spend our days running errands, cleaning up after children (ok - maybe we do ), making phone calls, arranging for house repairs....
We slow down. We pay attention. We realize how many extras we have.
I feel like I have been in a sukkah for the past month (though I've been without the mosquitos that seem to be inhabiting our sukkah this year). I have been inside - my house and my mind - and I have not ventured out too often. I have done only what I have had to do and have avoided being in my car, having long conversations, standing for too long, sitting much at all, and all the little extras that typically inhabit a mom's life.
I have "chosen" to be a lazy mom for the past month. And, still, I find that my days are jam packed. The hours still disappear before I am ready for them to go. I don't know how I do it - when I'm doing it all.
I am looking forward to shutting down the email and ignoring the Facebook because - you see - in my 'laziness', I have acquired a habit of looking and checking every time I am icing my leg and my back. It's better than a dose of motrin and helps to take my mind off the pain that has consumed me. And, perhaps, what keeps me so busy in my laziness.
The world continues to spin.
The years repeat themselves.
The holidays always bring something new to our attention.
When we live with open eyes, we see the cycles, the paradoxes, the constant movement.
When we sit still, it all becomes present before us.
And, now, I must go guide my children as they hang the last of the sukkah decorations.
Sukkot beckons us to focus on the things in life that hold the utmost importance. It is our faith and our tradition that propel us to shake the lulav and the etrog - an action that holds no meaning whatsoever outside of this holiday. We spend time with friends and family, sharing meals and engaged in discussions about the gifts our ancestors left us with and how we can continue to make the world a better place for those who will come after us.
We return to basics. We overflow with gratitude for the roof over our heads, for the food we have to eat, for the family and community that surround us. We don't have to spend our days running errands, cleaning up after children (ok - maybe we do ), making phone calls, arranging for house repairs....
We slow down. We pay attention. We realize how many extras we have.
I feel like I have been in a sukkah for the past month (though I've been without the mosquitos that seem to be inhabiting our sukkah this year). I have been inside - my house and my mind - and I have not ventured out too often. I have done only what I have had to do and have avoided being in my car, having long conversations, standing for too long, sitting much at all, and all the little extras that typically inhabit a mom's life.
I have "chosen" to be a lazy mom for the past month. And, still, I find that my days are jam packed. The hours still disappear before I am ready for them to go. I don't know how I do it - when I'm doing it all.
I am looking forward to shutting down the email and ignoring the Facebook because - you see - in my 'laziness', I have acquired a habit of looking and checking every time I am icing my leg and my back. It's better than a dose of motrin and helps to take my mind off the pain that has consumed me. And, perhaps, what keeps me so busy in my laziness.
The world continues to spin.
The years repeat themselves.
The holidays always bring something new to our attention.
When we live with open eyes, we see the cycles, the paradoxes, the constant movement.
When we sit still, it all becomes present before us.
And, now, I must go guide my children as they hang the last of the sukkah decorations.
September 10, 2013
An Accounting of My Life
It's that time of year. But, for me, it's that time of life. Time to take an accounting, time to look inside. Time to release. Time to move forward. Time to recreate and redefine. Time to reclaim my Self.
I have a lot going on. My 'a lot going on is not more or less than your a lot going on' (that's the nature of life today) but my lot has accumulated and knocked me down.
Back pain. Sciatic nerve pain. Immobilizing and demoralizing pain. For many days, in the past four weeks, I have done absolutely nothing. Other days, I have done only what I absolutely had to do.
Pain is a roadblock to life, and my admiration for friends living with chronic pain is more immense than ever before. Most of the time, I can think of little else than the pain coursing through my leg and back. I stopped seeking relief because there is none. Pain impacts my ability to fulfill my responsibilities, my desire for conversation, and my hope.
There is just no space for those things right now.
My body yells for me to pay attention to life, and - in the distance - I hear the sound of the shofar calling. It is that time of year again.
Time to look at yourself fully and deeply, to look at those things we - consciously or subconsciously - tucked away. Fears that haunt us. Anger that lingers. Stress that simmers.
This is a stressful world and, more than ever, we need to be mindful about managing stress. We have had some difficult years. Things that rip you open, make you vulnerable and raw, and make you rethink things.
The question "Who am I?" is stressful when you've been a stay at home mom for twelve years. Even when your passion has been helping mothers recreate and redefine themselves throughout motherhood. Even when you've been so on top of it yourself. You realize, you've forgotten to pay attention to some of the pieces.
"Who can I be?"is a looming question with endless possibilities but no answer.
"I'm not good enough." screams loudly when you are trapped on your back. Your children get to watch a bit more TV; they eat cereal for dinner; you're not really sure what they are working on in school. You forget to put the tooth fairy money under the pillow for four days.
Self-doubt motivates us to propel forward. Negative self-talk can be converted to positive change.
Back Pain, I know you are here to protect me from having to move forward in life. You are the roadblock to fear because I can't think of anything else when you are here.
I am going to get up now ... and walk across the room without pain, without cinching.... I am going to resume living.
I have a lot going on. My 'a lot going on is not more or less than your a lot going on' (that's the nature of life today) but my lot has accumulated and knocked me down.
Back pain. Sciatic nerve pain. Immobilizing and demoralizing pain. For many days, in the past four weeks, I have done absolutely nothing. Other days, I have done only what I absolutely had to do.
Pain is a roadblock to life, and my admiration for friends living with chronic pain is more immense than ever before. Most of the time, I can think of little else than the pain coursing through my leg and back. I stopped seeking relief because there is none. Pain impacts my ability to fulfill my responsibilities, my desire for conversation, and my hope.
There is just no space for those things right now.
My body yells for me to pay attention to life, and - in the distance - I hear the sound of the shofar calling. It is that time of year again.
Time to look at yourself fully and deeply, to look at those things we - consciously or subconsciously - tucked away. Fears that haunt us. Anger that lingers. Stress that simmers.
This is a stressful world and, more than ever, we need to be mindful about managing stress. We have had some difficult years. Things that rip you open, make you vulnerable and raw, and make you rethink things.
The question "Who am I?" is stressful when you've been a stay at home mom for twelve years. Even when your passion has been helping mothers recreate and redefine themselves throughout motherhood. Even when you've been so on top of it yourself. You realize, you've forgotten to pay attention to some of the pieces.
"Who can I be?"is a looming question with endless possibilities but no answer.
"I'm not good enough." screams loudly when you are trapped on your back. Your children get to watch a bit more TV; they eat cereal for dinner; you're not really sure what they are working on in school. You forget to put the tooth fairy money under the pillow for four days.
Self-doubt motivates us to propel forward. Negative self-talk can be converted to positive change.
Back Pain, I know you are here to protect me from having to move forward in life. You are the roadblock to fear because I can't think of anything else when you are here.
I am going to get up now ... and walk across the room without pain, without cinching.... I am going to resume living.
August 9, 2013
My Husband, My Hero
(long - but that's life)
My children are great! When mom's down for the count, they step up to the plate... and over to the computer. And they can take care of themselves all day.... while playing with their friends on Minecraft.
In between building structures and warring against bad guys, they tell me "Mom, you better go to the doctor.", "Mom, are you ok?", "Do you need anything?" I really am proud. I see self-sufficiency, compassion, and even that question moms love to hear: "what can I do for you, mom?"
They've not seen mom in so much pain, there are tears in her eyes. (None of them were at any of my childbirths, and Aaron - the only one who came into the world drug free - doesn't remember a thing).
We moms jest that when we fall sick or wake up with a bad back, it is our body's way of telling us to slow down - that we need a rest.
Why would this rest need to take place the day before school starts? I had the whole summer to rest, and my body decides that Meet Your Teacher is the perfect day to stop working.
And, when I say stop working, I really mean stop working. Sciatic pain that feels like a metal bear trap - you know the ones with all those sharp teeth? - is clenching my leg. And, unlike other bouts of sciatica, there is no release from the trap. There is no position that brings relief from the pain. It won't stop.
I told David it is worse than when I gave birth to Aaron. He says there is a magic potion given to mothers after childbirth so that they do not remember how painful it was. I tell him I remember, and this is worse. Aaron's birth lasted six minutes from the time we arrived on the labor and delivery floor in the hospital. Sciatica is lasting much longer, making it unbearable.
And, there's no take home prize.
In the mist of pain, I took Ilan to middle school orientation where we hopped from class to class, mimicking the rhythm of his schedule. I can't believe the passion and creativity and dedication to students that these teachers have. The highlights? The Civil War re-enactment. The 12-foot catapult that shoots pumpkins into the air. And the pre-engineering class where they are told to let the girls enter the classroom first and select a seat on the couches first.
The next day, we go to visit our teachers at our beloved Sandpiper Elementary. I am amazed but not shocked that the new teachers fit in perfectly to the specially unique distinction that our Sandpiper teachers have. It's as though they've always been here.
I'm one of the PTO representatives, and we are there early to welcome our new kindergarten students - several of whom were at my house the week prior for a kindergarten playdate. We also stay late to welcome the new families who have older children, and I don't know how I made it. But, I did. Because it's Sandpiper.
And, then David arrived home - late Wednesday night - so he could see his children off on their first day of school.
We managed day one together. He went off to middle school with Ilan and then came back to help the rest get off to school. He loaded my car with the Boo Hoo Breakfast goodies (that I picked up from Einstein's at 5:30am) and helped me set up.
Thankfully (?), even Ellie shooed us away from waiting with her until the bell rang. Independent. (Embarrassed already?) Whatever - I'm going to celebrate it.
It allowed me to go to the Boo Hoo Breakfast and get ready for our new and kindergarten parents to join us. What a great event (!) for new families! By the end, I was done and gratefully accepted help to put everything away. That was it for me - the rest of the day I was in bed.
Second day of school - I woke early to get ready before I had to wake my children. I walked to the shower and crumbled in pain. In walks my hero who put me back in bed and took over for the morning - filling lunch boxes, serving breakfast, dealing with clothing crises, and prodding children into the shower.
Ilan leaves for the bus, and I get up to check things out. There sits the bagel David made for Ilan's lunch. David is now on a work phone call for the next hour, so I grab Isaac and head to middle school (my apologies to Ilan who never saw me, but his friends did - and I was not the picture of motherhood you want your middle school friends to see). Isaac kept asking me why I was squeezing his hand so hard.
Lunch delivered, home we went. David delivered the other children to school and then took me to "get fixed". I spent the rest of the day in bed, sleeping for most of it. Thank you, my hero. I could not have made it through this day without you.... What's that I smell? Oh, yeah. He's also making Shabbat dinner and the cholent for tomorrow.
My children are great! When mom's down for the count, they step up to the plate... and over to the computer. And they can take care of themselves all day.... while playing with their friends on Minecraft.
In between building structures and warring against bad guys, they tell me "Mom, you better go to the doctor.", "Mom, are you ok?", "Do you need anything?" I really am proud. I see self-sufficiency, compassion, and even that question moms love to hear: "what can I do for you, mom?"
They've not seen mom in so much pain, there are tears in her eyes. (None of them were at any of my childbirths, and Aaron - the only one who came into the world drug free - doesn't remember a thing).
We moms jest that when we fall sick or wake up with a bad back, it is our body's way of telling us to slow down - that we need a rest.
Why would this rest need to take place the day before school starts? I had the whole summer to rest, and my body decides that Meet Your Teacher is the perfect day to stop working.
And, when I say stop working, I really mean stop working. Sciatic pain that feels like a metal bear trap - you know the ones with all those sharp teeth? - is clenching my leg. And, unlike other bouts of sciatica, there is no release from the trap. There is no position that brings relief from the pain. It won't stop.
I told David it is worse than when I gave birth to Aaron. He says there is a magic potion given to mothers after childbirth so that they do not remember how painful it was. I tell him I remember, and this is worse. Aaron's birth lasted six minutes from the time we arrived on the labor and delivery floor in the hospital. Sciatica is lasting much longer, making it unbearable.
And, there's no take home prize.
In the mist of pain, I took Ilan to middle school orientation where we hopped from class to class, mimicking the rhythm of his schedule. I can't believe the passion and creativity and dedication to students that these teachers have. The highlights? The Civil War re-enactment. The 12-foot catapult that shoots pumpkins into the air. And the pre-engineering class where they are told to let the girls enter the classroom first and select a seat on the couches first.
The next day, we go to visit our teachers at our beloved Sandpiper Elementary. I am amazed but not shocked that the new teachers fit in perfectly to the specially unique distinction that our Sandpiper teachers have. It's as though they've always been here.
I'm one of the PTO representatives, and we are there early to welcome our new kindergarten students - several of whom were at my house the week prior for a kindergarten playdate. We also stay late to welcome the new families who have older children, and I don't know how I made it. But, I did. Because it's Sandpiper.
And, then David arrived home - late Wednesday night - so he could see his children off on their first day of school.
We managed day one together. He went off to middle school with Ilan and then came back to help the rest get off to school. He loaded my car with the Boo Hoo Breakfast goodies (that I picked up from Einstein's at 5:30am) and helped me set up.
Thankfully (?), even Ellie shooed us away from waiting with her until the bell rang. Independent. (Embarrassed already?) Whatever - I'm going to celebrate it.
It allowed me to go to the Boo Hoo Breakfast and get ready for our new and kindergarten parents to join us. What a great event (!) for new families! By the end, I was done and gratefully accepted help to put everything away. That was it for me - the rest of the day I was in bed.
Second day of school - I woke early to get ready before I had to wake my children. I walked to the shower and crumbled in pain. In walks my hero who put me back in bed and took over for the morning - filling lunch boxes, serving breakfast, dealing with clothing crises, and prodding children into the shower.
Ilan leaves for the bus, and I get up to check things out. There sits the bagel David made for Ilan's lunch. David is now on a work phone call for the next hour, so I grab Isaac and head to middle school (my apologies to Ilan who never saw me, but his friends did - and I was not the picture of motherhood you want your middle school friends to see). Isaac kept asking me why I was squeezing his hand so hard.
Lunch delivered, home we went. David delivered the other children to school and then took me to "get fixed". I spent the rest of the day in bed, sleeping for most of it. Thank you, my hero. I could not have made it through this day without you.... What's that I smell? Oh, yeah. He's also making Shabbat dinner and the cholent for tomorrow.
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