Thriving

Despite only being away for two days, I am struggling to get back into a routine. Yesterday I felt like I was floating through the hours, trying to tend fires at every interval. Is it too early to declare my need for another vacation?

Thankfully the boys are not struggling to resume their schedules. Timmy has been attacking his new curriculum like a champion. Being in class for 7 hours a day took an adjustment for my feral little boy, but he is thriving through the structure. I have never seen him so energized and excited about learning. Each day he eagerly runs to me with his journal in hand, frantic to show me what he mastered or discovered. He is growing academically, socially and emotionally and I could not be happier with his accomplishments.

Robby continues to chug his way through his classes. He offers minimal complaints and is fairly self-sufficient with his schedule. I still cannot believe that he will start exploring colleges soon. Sigh. I suppose that is a topic for another blog.

Waiting

Yesterday morning I learned that a friend's daughter suddenly passed away. I've never met her daughter, but her loss struck me deeply. I cannot fathom the heartache that my friend is feeling right now. I pray that I never know her reality.I am not ashamed to admit that I hugged the boys a little longer last night.

Life can change in an instant. By this point in my life, I shouldn't be surprised by that reality. I've had my own life switch tracks without warning so I certainly appreciate the vulnerability of our plans and dreams. Lately, it feels like the Universe has been working overtime to remind me of our fragility.

My brother is back in the hospital, this time battling an infection in his amputation site. I am worried and frazzled because I know there is nothing that I can do to help. Sitting idly by and waiting is not a strength. I wish I could be active in his care, but circumstances have conspired for a different approach. I am forced to wait and hope. 

I've never been good at waiting.

NYC

 What an amazing weekend!  

On Friday we headed to West Virginia to tag our Christmas tree. I assumed Friend would be welcome at a tree farm so we happily brought him along. Unfortunately, we did not know that they restricted dogs from their fields. Scott and the boys ended up heading into the field to tag our tree while Friend and I stayed by the car, greeting other patrons and peeing on random twigs (him not me).  

After the boys carefully selected our tree, we continued to Pennsylvania to see my Mom. She agreed to watch both boys so Scott and I could go away for the weekend. He and I have never gone away for a weekend by ourselves (without it being connected to work) and we figured it was time to give it a try. 

We had an amazing time! On Saturday afternoon we met our friends for lunch before heading to the hotel. We spent Saturday evening exploring and eating. On Sunday we headed to Time Square before I discovered a final surprise: tickets to see Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden! I was gobsmacked. 

The show was absolutely amazing. I think I smiled throughout the show and sang along with every song. I had to keep pinching myself because it didn't feel real. I could not believe that we are at the Garden to see Billy Joel!

Yesterday morning we hopped onto a train to head back to reality. We picked up the boys at my Mom's house and continued back home. Today we return to reality, although I am not ready. After such a great weekend, it is hard to return to routine.