This week has been all about working through things. We’ve had another significant milestone on our grief journey with Thomas overtaking Jessica in age, and working through all the emotions that have come with that. I often use the analogy of being on a boat on a stormy sea to describe grief. On the whole, we’ve learned how to steer our boat through those storms but there are times when the waves feel overwhelming, and this week has been one of those.
I’ve also been working through the various emotions that came as a result of secondary school offer day. Sophie moving up to secondary school has started to feel very real now and I’m definitely not ready for it! She got a place at her second choice for grammar school. It’s a great school, but she was disappointed not to get her first choice, and we’ve had to work through the emotions of that too. Now that her secondary school place has been confirmed, we’ve had various forms to start working through too ready for her to start in September.
I’ve returned to a voluntary role this week after having some time out and so have been working through things for that – getting to grips with what I’ve missed and getting back into the workload that comes with it. I’ve been quite anxious and stressed about going back, but it’s been okay so far.
What I’ve been grateful for this week:
- Day 59 – I am grateful that Sophie and Thomas had fun at the school disco this evening.
- Day 60 – I am grateful that Sophie had a fun day out with her dad, seeing Cirque du Soleil and visiting the Science Museum.
- Day 61 – I am grateful for spring flowers starting to appear in the garden.
- Day 62 – I am grateful for my children.
- Day 63 – I am grateful for pancakes.
- Day 64 – I am grateful that the orchids on my windowsill are flowering again.
- Day 65 – I am grateful for a very happy boy going off to school as Numberblock Six for World Book Day.
Other things that have made me smile this week:
- Making costumes for World Book Day.
- Some quiet time with Jessica.
- Getting the washing out on the line for the first time this year.
Joining in with Raisie Bay for Word of the Week.
I saw on social media about Thomas overtaking Jessica in age and it was one that I had never even thought of. I feel so sad for you that you have these milestones.
Congratulations about the secondary school offer. How is it possible that little Sophie is almost at that age. Time flies.
Lovely photos. I love the World Book Day costumes.
Thanks Kim – it’s crazy how fast that time has flown. I can’t believe we’re almost at the end of Sophie’s time at primary school.
With grief, like with so many other things, we just have to face it and work through it. You are doing your best and are such a good support for Sophie and Thomas. BTW, congrats on Sophie’s grammar school placement. Before you know it, you’ll have a teenager on your hands. Lol. Have a fab weekend. Oh, I love the costumes.
Thank you, we’re definitely working through it all as best we can.
My goodness. I had not realised that Thomas had reached Sophie’s age. That is a lot to deal with. Thinking of you.
I really miss World Book day. I loved helping my children create their costumes. I still have Gandalf’s pipe sitting on top of a picture frame from the last time. Sophie and Thomas look awesome! Your orchids are so pretty and Jessica’s tulips too.
Thank you. I love doing the costumes for World Book Day, I really enjoy trying to create the characters that Sophie and Thomas choose.
There are so many big emotions and feelings for you all this week you must be exhausted. Sending you a big virtual hug.
I’m sorry Sophie didn’t get her first choice of high school, I hope some of her friends from school got a place at the same one.
The kids costumes are brilliant, you are so creative! Jake didn’t want to dress up this year sadly, it’s his final year of primary too.
Thank you. It was an exhausting week all in all. There’s quite a few kids from Sophie’s school who will be going to the same grammar school so I think she’ll be fine.
Grief takes many forms and has many triggers, like the significant milestone you mentioned of Thomas overtaking Jessica in age. Big hugs.
Sorry Sophie is a bit disappointed with the school choice. Hope there will be some of her friends from the current school. She is such a joyful bright girl, she will make new friends too.
Fantastic costumes for the Worl Book Day, that brings back quite recent memories of me trying to make costumes for my chaps.
Thank you, I’m sure Sophie will be fine at the grammar school she got a place at. There are quite a few kids from her school who will be going there too.
Can’t believe Sophie’s already coming up to secondary. Well done her on getting her place, hopefully once she’s got over the initial disappointment, she’ll start to get excited about this school. Those costumes are great.
Thank you, I can’t quite believe she’s at this age either! She’s starting to get more excited about her new school now, especially as there are a few others who will be going from her school.
Sorry to hear that Sophie didn’t get her first choice school, but I am sure it will work out for the best. Loving the World Book Day costumes – gutted they don’t dress up in secondary school, I miss those days.
Thank you, I’m sure she’ll be fine. I’ll miss doing World Book Day costumes for Sophie next year when she’s at secondary.
You will ride this wave, you are strong. But it is such a milestone, it’s so difficult to think of Thomas being the same age as Jessica. I’m sorry to hear that Sophie didn’t get her first choice of school but I’m sure she will thrive, she’s such a clever and talented little girl.
Thank you Anne, it’s such a tough milestone. I’m sure Sophie will be fine – there are a few kids from her school who will be going to the same school so that will help.
Sending a hug to you all xx
Thank you x