Alice Cooper In Reverse

Summer's out. School's In. In our never-ending Fall schedule, last week was back-to-school for Lucia and Andrew. Cynthia and I are reeling from the added intensity that goes with our morning routine now, as we arm wrestle the kids to eat breakfast, get dressed, brush their teeth and get out the door in order not to be late for class. We're out of practice; summer is not just a break for kids....

Lucia is entering 1st grade at a new school. It's all very serious and she wants nothing to do with us at drop-off. Apparently, we're a drag on her image or something. Andrew is taking on Pre-K at St. James, where he was last year. This year, we're hoping that he has a much more consistent attendance record compared to last year, so that he has an opportunity to make up some lost ground on the other kids. Fortunately for us, both were willing to pose for back-to-school photos:







Obviously--the morning routine issues aside--this is an exciting and joyful time for us; but it is also bittersweet, as we reflect on the many kids who lost their battle with this disease during the summer and are not here for their back-to-school. In particular, we think about their moms and dads, as they must certainly be suffering at this time of year. We offer our prayers and support to them and can only hope that their days get easier and less painful.

Paul & Cynthia