The Not Monday

Owen slept all night woke happy, but immediately knew what he wanted. Sure, the usual milk was the first request, but then he knew it was Monday. Church yesterday means school today. “It’s Monday”, he declares. He yells out “skoo” next. Buddy, you can’t go to school today, it’s a holiday, I explained. Nope, not good enough. There is no time for another holiday in his mind, this break business needs to be over. I am already thinking about his next breaks, and then the long summer between the school years. Hot tea to the rescue. Sip my tears away. Sometimes all I can do is sit. He runs to me asking for school again. And then he runs to me asking for school again, and again. Each time I wait for the meltdown that’s coming. He throws his face down on the couch, banging his torso on the cushion, yelling for school. My heart aches. I can tell more connections are forming though. I talk to him about the time, and show it to him on the clock. I use timers for different tasks he does, and when we are getting ready to go places. He’s eating second breakfast now. Pancakes are being smeared up, and down his face, catching the corner of his mouth occasionally. His tablet is covered in it, and he is saying, “eat you breffast and din five minutes skoo”. Two more days I think. Two more days. We can go places, do things, but they don’t replace his routine; he thrives on his routine. And how am I supposed to teach him the days of the week when breaks throw a monkey wrench into it all. One day at a time. Some days I feel like I’m breaking in a million pieces. I held Owen, both of us crying; his meltdowns rocking us both to our core. The emotions are never ending. He wants to go to school, but since he can’t go, maybe we’ll go bowling instead. There is no greater gift than my sweet baby O. Life can be daunting, and challenging, but remember you are not alone. Another year in the books. Have a happy new year. Take time for you. Smiles to all and donut daze!