Boy, this post has been a long time coming. I have had it in the back of my mind, but kept pushing it further and further away. I have noticed that I am becoming increasingly better at ignoring things that used to weigh heavily on my mind. This, I believe, is a good thing.
School ended without much fanfare for Mary. Everyone knew she was not returning to Avalon, and I kept her home the last two days of school. I did not want to make a big deal out of it, and neither did anyone at school. Summer is in full swing. None of my kids is scheduled for any summer camps. I thought I would just do a thing or two with them on the off weeks we aren't traveling. So far, so good. We had a beautiful week in Anna Maria Island. Mary, as usual stressed a little on the way there, and on the way home. Mary anticipates any change to her daily routine, and does not relax until she feels nothing negative will happen. Even knowing she is headed for home.
Having my kids all home together has been nice. I noticed they are playing together more. Christine and Jimmy have always been close, but it is usually difficult for them to include Mary. This is no fault of Christine or Jimmy's. Mary is just not interested, or cannot relate. Lately, Christine has been bike riding with Mary, and Jimmy will play video games with her. This is wonderful! I realized, and relayed my thoughts to both Christine and Jimmy, that they have the power to teach and show her, appropriate socialization/behavior. It is my hope that the more time she spends with them, and the more they correct her when she says or does something inappropriate, they will eventually rub off on her. You never know!
2 comments:
I am so glad to hear that the summer is going well, and that your other two kids are including Mary in their activities. It probably takes a huge weight off your mind to have them sort of taking Mary under their wing. I hope that the summer continues to be wonderful for you and the kids, Marianne!
No camps for us either! Mine have been swinging back and forth from fighting, being recluses, and playing together. (Right now they are cleaning their rooms and especially closets.) By the time we get back from Indiana though, I'm sure they will be obnoxious. Fall sports are a very good thing.
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