For some reason, the school decided they wanted to go for a 5-day, 4-night camp instead of the usual 3-day, 2-night affair. This comes as a bit of a challenge for us because this is the first time our boy will be away from us for that long. I mean, Lani and I had been away from the kids before, but it was just a short 3-day trip and it was us who left, so the kids were safe at home with the grandparents. Now, separation has become a bit more real.
I helped Ethan pack his bag last night. We went through his checklist a number of times, making sure he has stuff, he knows where to find them, when to use them, and how stow them back. We’ve given him all the advise, instructions, and reminders that we can think off. And he even asked for them to be printed in a piece of paper that he could carry with him at all times.
But through all these, as parents we still worry that he is still not prepared enough. Perhaps we worry that he is not ready yet to be on his own. Well, he will not be on his own, so I guess this can only be a good experience for him.
We brought Ethan to school this morning, Lani, Erin and I, and saw him off to the bus that will bring him and about 200 others kids and teachers to their home this next 5 days. Late in the afternoon, the school sent some photos and we’re very happy to see our boy in a couple of them looking like he’s enjoying his time. Guess I can say we’re relieved. I hope he tires himself out and gets a good night sleep.
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| Top-left photo: Ethan, wearing blue, stands at the right side of the photo Bottom-left photo: Ethan is in the middle of the pack, wearing a green hat and looking to his left. |
