A week ago we were preparing for our Monday trip to Akron, OH to watch the eclipse in the hopes that the weather would cooperate and we could witness the totality. Monday morning we were on our way by 7am, laptops packed for any schoolwork on this virtual day made possible by the pandemic – meaning the kids didn’t attend school in person but they had something they needed to accomplish. I think next year for Sarah’s IEP I want to add something so that Sarah doesn’t have to do anything at home or that I get to design something myself because she resists mightily most of the time no matter how small the task. I imagine that none of the teachers assigning things has any idea of the screaming and protesting that happens. Needless to day, Sarah did NOT watch the 2 minute video on the eclipse or answer the questions on the worksheet about it. Carl was successful in getting her to draw a picture about something from her spring break (she drew alligators), but then that paper traveled to and fro each day of the week, never being submitted. Anyway, we were on the road with snacks and meals packed in case traffic was so intense on the return journey that we needed to have dinner en route. We even had our small portable camping potty packed so we could be entirely self-sufficient if need be.
We parked in a lot at a shopping center and had a looooong time before the eclipse. The girls and I went to Kohls in the hope of finding things Sarah needed for her costume for the musical. We found shoes for the costume and the girls each got something with their own money left over from Christmas. The rest of the time was spent with me searching in vain for beige tights and a beige leotard for Sarah while she trailed behind me, handling all that she passed and wanting to buy everything! Later I went to Walmart on my own, not daring to take Sarah there where she would want even more of everything. Luckily I found the beige tights and leotard-type thing in short order.
The eclipse itself was more exciting than I anticipated, especially the totality. We had chairs, glasses, and blankets. We were surprised by how chilly it got! If it had all been up to me I would have stayed in Pittsburgh. I’m glad Carl had a bigger vision than I did to make this exciting day happen.
On the drive home we watched as the miles left decreased but the expected duration of the trip stayed constant. Since Sarah had rehearsal that evening we decided to go straight to her school, a decision we might not have come to if she didn’t have rehearsal. But it was such a good idea! It meant more miles but much less traffic. We arrived in time to go to a restaurant for dinner. Carl and Amy then ubered home while Sarah and I stayed for rehearsal.
The other excitement from the week was the rain, akin to the amount of rain from last week that caused lots of flooding in various roadways. Thursday’s rehearsal was canceled at the last minute as we all got emergency notifications on our phones saying to stay inside because of the risk of flash floods. We actually did go out because we knew the area we were going to was not a flood risk, and we wanted to see Anna in an improv show. Sarah made it through part of the show sort-of quietly but then wanted to be done. Amy and I stayed while Carl and Sarah went out to play in the rain.
If you heard screams Friday morning that was because Sarah’s school decided to have another “flexible” (at home) day so that people didn’t need to risk driving in flooded areas. Sarah was so deeply upset. She loves going to school, especially the rides with her bus driver. She loves Fridays because she has gym class. And she was extra excited to have a dress down day on this particular Friday. She screamed and cried hard for about half an hour. Meanwhile, Amy would have loved to have a virtual day but her school stayed in-person. After Sarah settled she opted for a nap and slept for over 4 hours!!! I think she wore herself out with the depth of her feelings.
On the days that Sarah did have school she stayed in bed a little longer than usual but miraculously ate breakfast faster than usual. She was always ready before her bus arrived and to pass the time she pretended to climb mountains or be a cowboy or a circus clown or a gymnast.
Morning and evening Amy can be found wearing her cat bathrobe that I got her for her birthday. It has a hood with ears and there is a tail at the back. If we say something she doesn’t like she presents her cat butt. She also loves snuggling with our cat while looking like a cat herself. Amy has also been creating more art with her face as the canvas. One day she drew a curved spine on her cheek and decorated it with green and white jewels, representing scoliosis-warrior colors.
Sometimes it works for me to leave Sarah on her own at home or with just Amy at home. Unfortunately this seems to be less doable than it used to be. Sarah gets more upset more quickly if a parent or other grown-up isn’t at home. On Friday I had something to attend twenty minutes before Carl got home. To her credit, Sarah went to Amy about feeling sad and Amy did her best to help Sarah. She helped Sarah find her phone so she could call Carl and find out precisely when he would be home. It was all ok, but I don’t want to put such responsibilities on Amy if I can help it. And yet, I am so grateful that Amy is who she is and can navigate such situations when she is called upon to be the older sister.
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