So, in continuation of telling about our camping trip, we actually ended up cutting it short and leaving earlier than expected on Saturday morning because Bryden's great grandmother had passed away and they were holding visiting hours that you really wanted to attend in order to support the family and pay your respects. How could we argue with that? I love the human you are.
Also, while I can't go into details about it, I will mention that you received a very lengthy, heartfelt text from Bryden the next morning expressing their gratitude for you and your relationship and support and summarizing many of the wonderful adventures that you have experienced in your 6 months together. How cool is that? I swear. Your relationship with Bryden is healthier than many of my relationships up until I met your dad. Blows me away.
Now, the next few pictures are just for posterity and because I thought they were either sweet, funny or would be a good way to commemorate this moment in our collective history. I took a quick day trip to meet up with Aunt Tina in Yellow Springs to chat, have lunch, and be reminded of the good in the world. Anyway, here's some of what I saw...
On a funny note, in cleaning out your closet, you found the dinosaur t-shirt that I made for your fifth birthday. Bryden insisted on trying it on and made you do the same. It was hilariously tiny on you! I love how silly you both can be together.
The animals did their usual thing this month. Allowing us no personal space whatsoever while eating...
Or sleeping...(I'm the blue lump in the lower right of this photo).
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| sweet Susan in the sunshine |
One wonderful thing is your new tradition of baking chocolate chip cookies every night around 9:30pm. Not only do you share your treat, but the house smells ah-mazing!
Before school officially started, I allowed you to have your gang of summer friends, the seemingly safe covid-bubble of kids that you have been hanging out with, over for a sleepover to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year. It included Bryden, Lauren, and the triplets (Ashley, Anna, and Amy). Daddy put up the projector and screen and you watched Silence of the Lambs on the porch out back. Well, they watched the movie...you watched *most* of it (minus the most intense parts - some things haven't changed much yet since you were a wee one).
The sleepover went well...everyone home safe and sound the next morning...and all of you are ready to begin a new school year, covid-style.
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| one last photo of what you mostly did all summer long... bike-riding through Westerville with friends (you're in front, Bryden behind, Lauren snapped the shot) |
Even your room is spiced up a bit for the new school year. Well, not exactly school supplies but we're busting into 7th grade with a whole lot of PRIDE! Woot woot!
And...*drumroll please*...introducing our brand new SEVENTH grader!!! I mean...c'mon...what a gorgeous kid (inside and out) on their first day of school. Right?!
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| "Long Legs McGhee" over here |
After your first week of school was complete, we spotted a rainbow outside after a large storm. This picture was taken right outside our front door. When you saw it, you exclaimed, "A rainbow means another LGBTQ baby is born". I like that. I like that...A LOT.
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| welcome to the world, little LGBTQ baby |
Now, the next few pictures are just for posterity and because I thought they were either sweet, funny or would be a good way to commemorate this moment in our collective history. I took a quick day trip to meet up with Aunt Tina in Yellow Springs to chat, have lunch, and be reminded of the good in the world. Anyway, here's some of what I saw...
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| a free food pantry (similar to the little free libraries) |
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| a little humor with their covid safety reminders |
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| I had no idea there was a fan club for our beloved Dr Amy Acton (advisor to the governor during this insane pandemic) |
And that's that for Yellow Springs.
Anyhoo, I also bought some stickers for my car (pictured below) and because I accidentally ordered extra, I was able to post on social media and offer the extras be mailed to any other Mama Bears of LGBTQ cubs, like me. Well, they were scooped up within an hour and I got to meet some other mama bears of kids who are still in the closet (for now), but their parents are already super supportive. Pretty awesome, kiddo. There is so much support out there if you just look for it! Heartwarming!
When my Mama Bear stickers came, this is the conversation we had...
You: Does Dad want one for his car?
Me: I don't know. Shawn, do you want one?
Dad: Hell yeah!
You: *fist pump* Yessss!
Side note: and THAT is how you parent, folks!
I love our lil' family so much. Like, for real. How did I get this fortunate to have you both as my people?
Finally, I'll leave you with this. You and I have begun a new tradition that I adore, even if I am exhausted and totally dragging ass in the morning. It sometimes begins in the car on the late night drive home from dropping off Bryden and then will continue with you popping into my room around 11pm(ish) and deciding that you want to just chat about your day, your life, your identity, the universe, puberty, relationships, humanity, etc, etc, etc. It's a heavy load some nights and I have but one thing to say about it.
I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.
As an introvert by nature, and a therapist by training, this is so in my wheelhouse. I love our deep, lengthy talks. ❤️ This is the good stuff.
I love you so much.
Mama
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