FINAL FRIDAY

‘Can I come over after school to eat cereal…’, came the text.

‘Of course’, I replied with joy and gratefulness of hearing from my younger daughter.

Oh, the benefits of living across the street from the school, I thought again. Just imagine if I lived in a place where the kids had to take the bus or I had to drive them to and from school. I really hope our lease gets extended, whether or not I get to move into a larger unit.

The hours are being counted down by all of the students by now. Until the final piece of homework is turned in. Until the final concerts and banquets have been attended. Until the final bell rings. Today was the final Friday of this school year. The final year of middle school for my younger daughter.

She arrived as promised and ate two bowls of Special K cereal. Since she had to be back at school for dance practice and a kickball tournament for this afternoon’s Falcon Fest celebration, she hurried back to school. With her, she took three freshly baked chocolate chip cookies I made for her and her brother to enjoy.

My two younger children attended the celebration at school until 19,00 and then went to their father’s house for another celebration. The one they had for my son’s birthday. Though I also wanted to be part of the festivities for our son, I knew I would not be welcome there. So, I waited until their return, almost three hours later.

Sage’s younger sister came back with him, as the plan was for her to spend the night at my place and have time with me and her brother tomorrow. Initially, there was to be a party by the pool with friends for Sage’s birthday. Somehow, they all had other plans at the last minute. Despite the change in plans, there was no denying the fact that the children were excited to have today be their final Friday of the school year. Only a few more days left.