This morning was a big one at our house. Why? Because it’s C’s first day of preschool. She will be going two days a week and she and her cousin NC will be in the same class, along with my friend JulieApple’s adorable little guy, B. The teacher will definitely have her hands full.
So I got up extra early to get all three kids ready for school, which I haven’t done in a while, since H was away in treatment most of his junior year and then took the GED last November – meaning he hadn’t been in regular school for two years when he died at the beginning of the summer, meaning I haven’t had THREE kids to get out the door to school for a long time. But today I did. I had to get C’s new princess lunchbox packed and extra clothes prepared for her cubby, etc, etc. She was very excited.
Here are all four kids (I feel very sad writing “four kids” instead of five 
) heading out the door on the way to school today.
C’s first day of preschool ended up being far more memorable than any of us expected because just before we woke up at about 6am this morning, our dear friend Dr. Neighbor, who spent last evening grilling out with us at our house until nearly midnight, awoke to find that his own house – about one mile from ours – was on fire. He and his dog Thor got out – barely. But the house and all of its contents are apparently a total loss. Jon is over there with him now, looking at things with the insurance guy.
I feel terrible for Dr. Neighbor. His house was a lovely, quirky turn of the century Victorian cottage that can’t really be replaced. And he lost everything – EVERYTHING – he owns save for the pajamas he was wearing. He can’t even find his car keys or wallet. But as sad as I am, I am just so grateful that he and Thor – and even that damn lip-less cat – made it out alive. Apparently his smoke alarm didn’t go off.
Having been through a fire and near-total loss in April, I can imagine all too well how that feels. Good luck to your Dr. neighbor!
I feel sad, too, when I see you say "all four".
I'm so terribly sorry for your neighbor. What a terrible thing.
Love the picture of your gorgeous family. E's smile is the most brilliant thing I have ever seen!!!
Katie,
It is a wonder that as a grieving mothers I am able to be present and excited for my children's new beginnings. But of course the love I have for my children insures I am present for them. I watched my twin daughters head off to middle school 2 weeks ago with the same anticipation and disbelief (they're my babies!) that you have for your sweet preschooler.
Of course in the midst of the hustle and bustle of back to school, watching my daughters and then my son amble off to his first day as a senior in high school there was the ache amidst the pride and joy. There are 3 off to school not four. There is one senior-my son in high school not two seniors-Jordan would/should be a senior in college. The wistfulness that is alway with me resides with the pride, excitement and joy I have watching my children experience all life has to offer.
Be good to yourself,
Jackie
C's shades are SERIOUS. She looks so cute and proud!
Katie,
That's a beautiful picture of your family. They are lovely.
And I'm just freaked about Dr. Neighbor's house fire. But so glad he and Thor and Thor's cat are fine.
Big hugs to the whole world today.
As sad as I am to hear of someone else's misfortune, I am grateful they were able to get out unharmed.
What really struck me about this post, though, is J and E. J is always so incredibly stylish and well-manicured. The 15 year old nerd inside me is terribly jealous. And E, does that boy ever stop smiling?
Your children are just gorgeous. I love J's placid look, E's huge smile, and C's shades!
I'm so sorry it's four, too.
My neighbor's house burned down while we all stood with our mouths agape a few years ago. It was horrendous. I'm glad your friend and his pets got out; my neighbor and her 4-legged kids were ok, too.
Wish all your young scholars the best for their new school year.
I can feel your happiness along with sorrow.The first day of school is not only important for kids …its equally important for parents as well.Hoping all the best for your kid & neighbor..
Dr. Neighbor has been a rock throughout the hospitalization and death of Henry – and many times before that. I know that his many kindnesses, his loving kindnesses, will come back a thousand fold from the community and beyond. And, I have beautiful grandchildren!!!
What a morning. I feel so badly for Dr. Neighbor. I really can't imagine.
Your children are all so beautiful.
My best friends house burned down a year ago (almost) while she and I were in Atlanta at a trade show trying to get flipoutz (www.flipoutz.com) off the groud. Her husband, three kids and the family dog Huckleberry all made it out safely but the home was a total loss. A year later and they are still just realizing things they once had but no longer do. It has been extremely tough of a very resilient positive family. He will need much love and support. As for that group of children, they are cutie pies – but then again Henry was as well. I can not imagine the constant spectrum of emotions you are always. Again – prayers for you and yours always and now Dr. Neighbor too. So glad he and his four legged family made it out alive.
I feel for Dr. Neighbor and I know how he feels. We lost everything in a house fire in 2008.