Smoke Signals and other news
And just like that, summer is over, and kids are back in school. It’s time for school supplies, homework, school lunches, projects, after school activities, sports, and new friendships. Remember to teach your kids kindness and encourage them to share everything with you. Watch for signs of bullying. It happens way too often. Kids and parents have so many things to worry about in today’s world that would have never crossed our minds when I was one of those returning students. I, as a grandparent, worry about and pray for not only my grandchildren, but for all the children in every stage of their education.
While most public and private schools are back in session, most college kids will be headed to class later this month. For some, it will be their first time to be away from home and on their own. Some will be excited for this first taste of “freedom” while secretly others will be terrified. Know that you have taught them for eighteen years what life is all about and how to handle different situations. The calls full of tears may or may not come your way. Some will excel while others will fail. Some will find college is not for them and that’s OK. Support them in whatever the future holds for them. Pray for them daily.
Another week of intense physical therapy for me. Four-and one-half hours daily at home and one hour daily in the facility. I made it OK Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I was up late some nights getting that last one-and-one-half hour in. Tuesday and Wednesday’s in- house sessions were brutal. Wednesday night I tackled cutting half of my yard which always leaves me tired the following day. Wednesday night found me in pain and exhausted. This lasted well into Thursday. I canceled the in-house physical therapy and did not attend the Byhalia Area Chamber Luncheon which I always enjoy. I did my four-and-one-half hours at home and napped two hours. Still exhausted, I went to the ball games for the night and conducted a parent’s meeting. I did not have in-house physical therapy on Friday but the home therapy still continued and will for two additional weeks. There is improvement although it is still far from where it needs to be. Not much you can do laying almost flat on your back with your leg strapped in a machine that bends it whether you want it to or not! I am on my third book.
On Friday night I was honored to be invited to go to dinner with my sweet granddaughter, Mary Claire, who turned eighteen that day, along with her parents, and her boyfriend. I’m officially the last living grandparent she has so I make extra effort to attend events she and her brother invite me to. Allan is already in college studying Engineering at Mississippi State. Mary starts college in a couple of weeks, majoring in Engineering at the University of Mississippi. This Grandma’s heart is rather proud.
We are still looking for some of the alumni who attended Byhalia High School anytime through 1969 and would like to attend our upcoming reunion. Feel free to contact me by any of the methods shown below.
Please share your news with me either at jchwagg@gmail.com or text or call 901 246-8843. You can message me on Facebook as Clair Wagg.