Trares
There were some stubborn groans, some nervous questions, even a little whining.
But in the end, it was all smiles.
School officially started for Anthony this week. All of the build-up came to fruition in a flurry of new supplies, new classmates and new routines.
Everything started with an open house to meet his teacher and see his new classroom. Among a luau-themed school-wide party, he made his way up the stairs, muscle memory initially taking him to the left towards the second-grade block before changing course to the third-grade pod.
His teacher seemed nice; he found his assigned desk, surrounded by his buddies from previous years. We dropped off his school supplies in his cubby and walked out with a positive feeling.
The first day of school was a struggle, though. Anthony wasn’t ready for the earlier wake-up call, quickly getting dressed and rushing off to the drop-off line. He was used to weeks of lounging and a leisurely breakfast. In a flash, that all changed.
But mostly, I could tell there was a sense of loss — that something special was over. We had spent the summer months going to festivals, traveling on vacation, having backyard cookouts and making trips to the pool. If summer was over, did that mean the fun was over?
I recognize the feeling. The start of the school year felt like a door was closing behind me. Even as an adult, when the end of August rolls around, I get a little melancholy about the end of barbecue season, hitting area beaches and patio time outdoors.
So I shared with Anthony how I combat that. For me, it helps to look back and go over in my head all of the fun things we did over the summer. This year, that would include playing in Lake Michigan, hopping around with kangaroos at the Indianapolis Zoo and watching Fourth of July fireworks with our friends in the neighborhood.
I asked him — what are your best memories of the summer? Anthony had to think for a minute, then rattled off some of his favorites. The zoo was on the list, as was spending hours swimming in a northern Indiana lake during a visit with family friends.
Probably the most recent memory was one of the best, he said. As a way to celebrate his final day of summer break, my wife took him to Holiday World for a fun day out with his grandparents. Anthony rode rollercoasters, won a giant bouncey ball from a game stand and enjoyed ice cream. He came home with souvenirs and even better stories, excited about the day.
As told our stories of the past summer, Anthony’s disappointment lifted slightly. He had a good first few days in school (which we figured she would), and he’s excited about the coming year.
Plus, as I reminded him — it’s not like the fun’s going to stop just because the days are getting shorter. We still have a few weeks of pool time, then football season starts, then Halloween is right around the corner.
That made him smile.
Ryan Trares is a senior reporter and columnist for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
