I was in bed last night when one of the boys came in and asked if he could talk to me about homecoming plans. It took a few seconds for me to register what was going on. Why was he asking about the dance? At what point did he become old enough to do this? It all fell into place and I thought, “Oh ok. That’s right.”

Some freshman boys are going together. Elianna is going with Miles and they’re meeting up with another couple. The younger boys were off school today. I also did not have to be anywhere in terms of outside commitments. We went for a walk this morning and they played on the swings. They commented on how peaceful the mornings were without school. Don’t you miss this, Mom? I do.

In Nebraska they’re having a low tomorrow of 36 degrees. I thought about it on and off through the day, wondering if I should mention the need to dress warm. I’m not going to say anything, I said, but by the evening I reached the point where I decided just to speak my peace. I said something. He said don’t worry I’ll dress warm.