For parents, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. Children have returned to school and all the burdens of them running wild, extra tons of food and snacks, late nights, sleep overs, and the relentless burden of “I’m bored! Give me something to DO!” are now officially over. For the next few weeks there will be a collective “whoosh” ringing about the town as parents breathe a collective sigh of relief when they walk into their homes and find out that for the first time since the beginning of the summer vacation their house isn’t torn to shreds. And for those who have teenagers, they can now breathe easier (slightly) knowing that their children’s exploits are now at least vaguely curtailed by those pesky little things called class and school work. Almost worth the millions of dollars they’ll need to fork out for back to school supplies and clothes! 😉

For us older folks who are still school bound, however, the dynamics are slightly different. Most people pursuing post secondary education do so for the personal benefit and pleasure they experience from achieving some degree or diploma or certification etc etc. Not that we’re necessarily ecstatic that for the next several months we’ll have to make several sacrifices, pull many an all nighter, and live primarily on ramen noodles and caffeine. But there’s a certain shiny newness to the beginning of the scholastic year that dampens our memories of the blood, sweat and tears that will inevitably follow, especially around midterm and exam time. Or maybe we just fool ourselves into thinking that this year will be different. As though because we picked the most PERFECT courses for ourselves this year and have a game plan that includes actually using our daily planners, keeping up on the readings, and committing at least an extra two hours per day to studying, that for once we’ll actually be able to stick to building our little castles made of sand this time, all while preventing the tide from coming in and sweeping them back into the sea.

The funny thing is, even though I’m well aware of the fact that school sucks, studying sucks, and I’m always bound to be a disorganized mess by the end of the year no matter how hard I strive to be the opposite, after being out of school for any period of time I really truly miss it. This year as everyone returns to school I won’t be joining them. I can’t lie, it’s killing me inside. No rush of excitement and frustration and anticipation at trying to get into the courses you want, attending the first week of classes and then frantically trying to switch around your schedule cause that so called “bird course” is actually gonna be hell on wheels. No pretty new outfit to wear on the first day of school even though nobody cares what I’m wearing anymore. No… new hope, new aspirations, new horizons. Last year at this time I was pursuing my dream, and I wanted it more than anything, be it good, bad, or ugly.

Not that I’ve given up hope. I’m starting out life on a new foot. I’ve gotta approach this whole thing, my health and treatment, my recovery, and my coping and managing of it all, in the same way I would my new school year. Otherwise how will I ever make it through another year (God Forbid!) of this nonsense? Sometimes a refresh of perspective is definitely in order. And trust me, I have mine. By next week, my lil’ brain will be just itching for some learnin’, and while I know next week isn’t a possibility I know I’ve gotta do everything in my power so that next year (I mean January if possible) is.

To all of you going back to school this week or next, I say good luck, and enjoy! Remember how very truly lucky you are to be able to do what you’re doing. Many people out there would give anything to be in your position. (I don’t mean just me: I have a temporary setback. I mean all the people who will NEVER get post secondary education, didn’t have the opportunity to have or complete a high school education, etc.)

To the parents, congratulations on making it through another summer of hell! Enjoy the peace and quiet while it lasts! LOL

And to the teachers….they’re YOUR problem now! LOLOL

Happy School Year Y’All!

Cheers