1st Day of the Rest of Our Lives

It's been a while since we posted anything. To say it's been hard to keep up-to-date with a blog would be an understatement, but it's definitely not a priority, and I think that's how it should be.

Harrison started pre-k today. We met his teachers on Monday and he seemed very excited. It might have also been because they gave him a lollipop. He picked out his clothes last night and it was the first thing he said to me this morning. After breakfast, I gave him a blessing and got a little emotional. I felt like I was saying the things Heavenly Father would want him to hear, and I felt the Spirit as a calming and peaceful influence. Afterward, he asked me why I sounded sad, and all I said was, "That just happens sometimes," which really wasn't an adequate or fair answer.

How should I/could I have answered that? It's really such a cliche' to say, "It feels like just yesterday...." but it really does. How we rushed from Lydianne's job to the hospital in the pouring rain. How I walked into the hospital in soaking wet jeans & shoes to find out that we were definitely delivering that day. Listening to Arcade Fire on the computer as we waited for the surgery. How we were anxious and nervous and excited. Holding my baby boy for the first time. And now he's standing in the kitchen with a backpack on for school. 

I wanted to tell him that sometimes people are mean, and that's ok. Be nice anyway.

I wanted to tell him that it's ok if he's not good at everything, just try hard and have fun.

I wanted to tell him that I don't care if he wins as long as he plays fair and does his best.

I wanted to tell him to be a friend to everyone, especially the people no one else is friends with.

I wanted to tell him to do what he likes to do and not worry about what the other kids think is cool.

I wanted to remind him of all the Sunday School lessons and Bible lessons we've learned.

I wanted to tell him that sometimes you won't have any friends to play with or sit with, and it's ok to feel sad. But remember, you're still a good boy and people love and care about you. 

I wanted to tell him, you'd beter be nice...or else...

Would he remember anything we taught him? Could we have done more? I don't think I've ever said more prayers in one morning than I have said today.