Meli's world

Last week Emmanuel's basketball season ended with his all-star game. East vs. West in the city we live in. But the season didn't start out the same. It was his 4th season playing basketball, But his first season with the bigger age group. This age group was something he had looked forward to since he started pee-wee basketball at age 4. In this group, he would actually have more than one team practice a week, play full court and have the opportunity to be picked for the all star team. When he was put on a team,, it was a bit frustrating. He had a brand new coach who was struggling coaching them, he had kids on the team who could not focus, and despite being the most experienced on the team, he was the smallest. There was a lot of practice to do. A lot of practice. They scheduled lots of practices during the week and they all seemed to improve. Emmanuel became a pro at dribbling, running more since now they were playing full court., and shooting with more power since now ...

That's it. The kids are off to bed. His uniform and shoes are all laid out. His transformers backpack is packed and his lunchbox is set out in the kitchen. His first day of first grade awaits him. And all I want to do is cry. When I was a kid, I hated school. It had a lot to do with not knowing any English as I started kindergarten and being placed in an E.S.O.L. Class with a teacher who only spoke Creole. I was sent to timeout all the time for not following directions. Directions I could not understand. After various doctor visits, plenty absences and even trips to the psychologist, they finally found out what was wrong. I hated school! Eventually, I got a new teacher, learned English and made friends yet somehow the damage was already done. I dreaded going there. I can still smell the expo markers and the BBQ sauce from the cafeteria. Perhaps that's why I graduated early and never went to college. Thankfully, our son has had a different experience. English is his firs...