Something Old, New, Blue, and Mythic

So after that much-mentioned too long wait, Charlie just finished his first week back in the classroom, for the 2008-2009 school year. He’s now at the middle school in our town, which is in a bigger, 70s-ish type building with lower ceilings and not as much natural light as his old school. (And no more playground.) The bus has been coming at 7.20am which is a godsend to Jim and me—-we put Charlie on and off we go to work; as Charlie is home before 3pm, the earlier starting time is more than appreciated. 7.20 is a lot earlier than the time Charlie’s bus used to come—-8.35am—-so that’s been a bit of a rude awakening (kind of literally). The bus driver and bus aide are very punctual (yay) and a bit more, shall we say, insistent that Charlie hop on and, soon as the bus pulls up into parking lot, unbuckle that seat belt and get off. (not so yay).

Charlie has the same teacher as he did over the summer though I still have to get all the names of the aides. He has the same speech therapist, OT, and adapted PE teacher as he’s had since he started in our school district in June of 2006 and just mentioning their names brings instant recognition and bright eyes.The middle school day in our town actually starts at 7.30am and, as I understand it, Charlie and his classmates arrive a little later, in part to avoid the mayhem of the parking lot with children from four elementary schools suddenly all appearing at one middle school. Charlie has two lockers (and two locks, and two keys), one for his school stuff, the other for gym. He also is learning to keep a wallet on his person; in the wallet is an ID card with information including his name and my cell phone number.

Yes, changes.

Charlie had a really good week, with one “incident” Friday morning. I’ve talked about some of the “behaviors” he is prone to at moments of anxiety and when verbal communication fails; he’s not the only child in his class who has tough moments. In particular, there have been some loud moments in Charlie’s classroom. He’s been learning breathing exercises to relax himself but apparently, after a full week of loudness, Charlie’d had enough and he had a “behavior moment” himself. His teacher wrote to me and responded when I asked about particulars. Charlie was on edge for the rest of the day but happy by the end of it. He’s been with the same students (all boys) for the past two years and is certainly used to his classmates—–and then I factor in not only that they’ve all had some time away from each other, but that they’re all tween-age.

With all that to contend with—same classmates with same behaviors, new school and surroundings and being middle schoolers—-I thought it best that some important things be exactly the same. One was Charlie’s lunchbox, a most important item if there is one. Wiping it up one evening earlier this week. it became apparent that Charlie’s lunchbox had indeed seen better, fresher, less sour days. and my mom insisted on sending a new one.

I had also noted that Charlie’s faithful blue backpack was sagging, fraying, and staining; that Chariie tends to carry it by the handle or straps rather than on his back; and that Charlie has occasionally been swaggering around with a laptop case slung on his shoulder. Jim carries around a black messenger-type bag and I wondered if Charlie was imitating his dad-with-bag and (possibly) also me with mine on my shoulder. So, thinking of Charlie’s new start in middle school, we ordered him a new bookbag to wear (if he pleases) over his shoulder. It’s blue, Charlie’s preferred color, and will have his name on it, and should be coming in the mail early next week.

On the one hand I wish I’d gotten Charlie all outfitted with “new stuff” for his start at his new school, and on the other hand I think I wondered if he might want some old items with him for security and to help him ease into so much newness. And now it seems time indeed for something new as Charlie moves on, changes, and manages his way through new experiences.

In my own job, I’ve spent the past few weeks teaching about cosmology, about myths of how the world and humankind and nature and the seasons and animals and evil and good were created. While teaching my students about the birth and rise and fall of the gods and of different ages of humankind, I’ve pointed out themes of birth and separation, and unity, and coming together. All are elements of life with Charlie which, while it may not be exactly the greatest story ever told, is certainly a most worthy tale to tell.

I’m always eager for the next installment, that’s for sure.