'Twas the night before the first day of school...

As I lay here the night before the first day of school, I realize it is not just any new school year. It's not just the seventh new school year of me teaching. It is the first night before school of me being a mom. Not only 100% mine, don't have to share, always forever mom; but mom of a kid with special needs. A teacher of kids who CJ could be just like in six years. A teacher whose partner teacher is welcoming eight Kindergarten students with nervous parents into the elementary school setting tomorrow. A mom who so very soon will be on the other side of the fence for first day of preschool, first day of Kindergarten and just first day of new caretakers of my child. 

I am beginning THIS school year not worrying about how many side hugs I give or how messy my handwriting is in the communication notebook. I am beginning this school year as a mom who just happens to also be a teacher.