Welcome to Kindergarten
I went to see my son the other day. My mother-in-law made me chili.
Me: This is the first chili I’ve had in years. After Alison died, I pretty much ate chili every day.
Her: Is chili going to be ok?
Me: Absolutely. I can’t wait.
It was delicious, of course. They’re as much family to me as my own. But, then I had to go. There’s never enough time.
Him: I wish you could stay forever.
Me: I know. Me too.
I’m glad that he’s young enough that he’ll probably not remember the virus and everything related to it. But, I wonder how it’s changed the trajectory of his life.
I wonder so many what if things, as you might imagine.
He started kindergarten virtually this week. I was pretty bummed that I wasn’t there with him. All the more so that Alison wasn’t.
Again, as you might might imagine.
I meant to tell you that, towards the end of prekindergarten, his teacher pulled me aside to talk to me. I was worried that it was something bad – of course. She spoke to me in her thick Irish brogue.
Her: Today, your son came up to me and said, “Your computer is updating, Ms. Claire. It will be ready in a moment.” He read that from the computer screen! 11 years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never met anyone like your son.
Me: Oh god, I was worried you were going to tell me that he did something wrong.
Her: You worry too much, Mr. Lo.
Me: I have good reason to.
On the first day of school this week, the teacher turned to the class and asked if anyone knew what she wrote on the board.
The boy raised his hand and read to the class, “Welcome to kindergarten!”
She woulda been so proud.
Alison and my dad woulda been so proud of this happy, brilliant little kid.
Podcast Version
Location: yesterday morning, getting squashed in LIC
Mood: sore
Music: I loved you right away (Spotify)
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