Archie lets out a yip and howls in response to Dave’s lively tune on the piano. There are a few things that never fail to make Archie howl – the Final Jeopardy song, playing the harmonica, or when we all join in to awoo together. As I sit on the pull-out bed of Evelyn’s trundle, my attention is divided between Dave’s piano playing and what’s happening on the mattress above me, where Evelyn is engrossed in watching Paw Patrol on her tablet.
Earlier today, we had quite the experience at Evelyn’s preschool graduation, even though technically she’s not graduating. After her teacher, Ms. Claudia, managed to corral 20 kids into singing three rehearsed songs and placed green construction paper graduation caps on their heads, she addressed the audience in a heartfelt moment. With a voice trembling with emotion, she said, “My heart is bleeding,” but she quickly added, in response to something inaudible from one of the kids, “That means I’m very sad to see some of you go.”
And go Evelyn will, to Crestwood Elementary, which is just a 7-minute drive away compared to the 20-minute one to Thriving Minds Montessori. I’m hopeful that this change will allow Evelyn to make more friends in the neighborhood.
The other day, I came across a video that featured a kid being a kid, with two men’s voices dubbed over it. One voice said, “The most wonderful part about having a kid? Watching them grow up. But the hardest? Watching them grow up.” It struck a chord with me, and although it made me feel a bit sad, I knew deep down that it was the truth. The song Dave is learning on the piano, the one from the movie “Up,” only amplifies that feeling. It starts with the couple in their early years and takes you through their entire journey, from moments of love to the inevitable loss. The beauty of the melody and the emotions it evokes make those tears flow freely.
As for tomorrow, I’ve decided to take on a relatively easy project: an herb garden. It seems like something I can handle, and it’ll be a fulfilling endeavor. I also spent some time sitting beside the mama duck on her nest earlier. Sadly, there were no ducklings to be seen, but that’s okay. Sometimes nature has its own plans.
Take care, and thank you for joining me on this heartfelt journey.
Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 