This year's spring break

Our family is 60% through this year's spring break...although "break" certainly isn't what it used to be.  Beginning this morning, Catherine has practice at 8:00, Robert still has to work, and there are many other things happening.  Overall though, I'm grateful to not have school this week.

I am finding school to be one of the greatest sources of stress I could ever imagine.  In addition to the issues Catherine is facing with the young man I wrote about in my last post, she is also struggling with some girls.  I am absolutely astounded at how mean some girls can be.  I mean, downright nasty mean.  Catherine's good friend Emily isn't helping matters, as she is trying to "fit in", and by doing so it is a betrayal of Catherine's feelings.  I get that.  Catherine is struggling with the fact that she is somewhat immature in her social interactions, and is picked on because of it.  She wants to be liked (of course, we all do) and is telling me that she wants to change who she is in order to fit in.  I think that is one of the most heartbreaking things that a parent can hear.  I get to see this young lady who is so kind and caring, and who works harder at school than any other child I've ever seen, and I'm so proud of her.  But I understand the hierarchy of the school social status, and I'm just grateful that in 38 more school days she will officially be finished with middle school.

Robert's problems are growing and growing.  Certain things are still not for public knowledge, but those aren't his only problems.  His spring break began with him arriving home to tell us that he had nearly been in a fight at school.  I understand him wanting to stand up for himself, but Robert was the one beginning the physical aspect of the altercation.  He could have been suspended, which would further wreck his already wretched grades.  Last quarter he had a 1.0, and is in danger of not receiving credit for mandatory classes...not good!  He has just completely checked out and to say that we are worried is an understatement.  He also has to have surgery again tomorrow because the hand simply won't heal.  This is definitely a set back for things, but it has to be done.  Fortunately, he was accepted into the vo-tech program for the county and is excited about it.  Our fingers are crossed that some of the things that have transpired lately will help him see the consequences of his actions and get him back on track...but we will see.

I will write about our Easter weekend in another post.  It involves Andrew's family and that will certainly warrant a post of its own.  In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy our next few days without the stress that school brings into our lives!