Happy Birthday and farewell

Today is my little one's 11th birthday. I can't believe 11 years ago today I was giving birth to him. I remember every little detail as if it was just yesterday. I remember my mom coming in afterwards and hearing how quiet he cried said, "How in the world are you ever going to hear him???" The volume of his cry wasn't much louder then a whisper - he was just so quiet.

Nothing has changed much with him through the years. He's my quiet and shy one. It takes him a while to warm up to people, but once he decides he likes you, it'll be hard to get him to be quiet. He is EXACTLY like me in that respect....but part of me wishes he could break out of that. Personally, at times, I find it a disability on being so shy, but should I really try to change who he is?

The answer came to me on Sunday afternoon, when the principal of his private school called me with the heartbreaking, and shocking news, that they are closing his school. Turns out the diocese of Harrisburg had a meeting with them Thursday night, and said their deficit outweighed their enrollment, so this would be their last year. Just like that! "Ummm, let's see....no money? Goodbye!"

I started to cry - it was just so sad. That school has been around since around the 30's and just like that, without any thought to the kids, teachers etc they are gone.

So, my fear of Chris being so shy returned. Now we have to uproot him to a brand new school, with new kids, teachers, etc. Where do I go from here? Michael adamately explained he does not think Chris is ready for public school. #1 its too different from where he came from, and given his personality, and being so small for his age, he'd be a prime target for being bullied. My mother also offered to home school him, but Michael also thinks that would be a huge mistake and not helping the situation.

I called another private school about 5 minutes down the road from his present school. I was touched by their compassion of the situation and their willingness to accept ALL of the St. Vincent's students if need be. That would mean he'd know at least some of the kids at the new school. I asked several questions, but with this being all new to them too, she didn't have many answers. They are probably going to have an Open House for us so we can ask questions as a group and tour the school.

As I sit here overwhelmed, I think everything happens for a reason. His class is so small in St Vincent's, and now, he will finally get the opportunity to meet new kids, maybe start hanging out with more boys (since the class he's is now is predominantly girls). Maybe this transition, now, will help him when he changes schools for High School. Maybe....

But, all this seems even more fair because today is his birthday. Timing is everything and this just sucks all around.

:(