Harrigan Tales

It has been a long time since I have written and so much has happened in the last few months.  It was a great summer for everyone.  It was sunshine almost everyday.  The kids attended camp with their school buddies and before they knew it summer math packets and reading assignments were due for the first day of school.  As we weren’t finding out who they were getting for teachers until the end of the summer they waited with bated breath.

Everyday for a week the kids took turns running to the mailbox to find out who they were going to share their next school year with.  Finally the envelopes came and soon there was a flurry of parents on Facebook asking. “Who does your son/daughter have this year”?  Walker even got two calls from friends that day to find out.  We are truly blessed this year to have another great year of wonderful teachers.  Peyton has a teacher who has a great background in Special Education and is a new kindergarten teacher this year.  She is enthusiastic and excited to have her own classroom this year.  Walker was fortunate to be in the same class as many of his buddies.  The phrase “Team Venzie” was already coined throughout class and Facebook.  Although we would have been fortunate to have any of the 3rd grade teachers for Walker.  There was no way he would not have had a wonderful year.  He was lucky enough to have a great teacher last year which has helped him to start his education on the right foot.

Walker came home from his first day and exclaimed, “My class Rocks”!  He even said you were right Mrs. venzie is a great teacher.  Such statements definitely put a parents mind as ease.  Peyton has a great first few days as well.  Although he has had his first few nightmares and seems to want to cuddle more with mommy than usual.  I believe that starting kindergarten has been a little stressful for him since it isn’t just playtime all the time.

I wish both of my children well in the coming year.  Lots of new things to learn and friends to make.

We like to protect our children as much as possible and shield them from harm but sometimes the best way to do that is to let go… just a little.  Most of you that have read my blog in the past remember the horrific incident when Walker went missing from school when he was in kindergarten.  That particular story can be read here.  Though this is technically his second time walking home, it is the first time with permission.

Two years have passed since that time and Walker has grown not only physically but emotionally and it was decided that he be given a little more independence.  Some parents would cringe at the thought of their eight year old walking home from school by themselves.  Just to put it into perspective he doesn’t have to cross the road and walks down about a quarter of a mile to the end of our street from the school.  I am not a big believer of shielding our children from absolutely everything.  They need to learn but best to learn important lessons in life from their own parents or guardians.

It was decided around Christmas that once Walker turned eight he would be given the opportunity to prove his responsibility and independence.  His eight birthday has come and gone so the other day we arranged for him to be able to walk home.  I told him it may be raining and he would still have to walk home because things aren’t always sunny and perfect.  He said with a smile it was okay he would still like to walk home.  Prior to him leaving in the morning we had the discussion that he was not to stop and talk to his friends and that he needed to come straight home. 

Two -thirty came and I headed out the door to meet him on the corner across from the crossing guard.  Like clock-work he came strolling down the sidewalk in the pouring rain with his big red umbrella.  He saw me and he smiled from ear to ear.  You could tell by his smile and enthusiasm how excited and proud he was of his accomplishments.

He has proven to us he can be trusted and acts in a responsible manner.  This is just a baby step to bigger things to come for him as he grows into a young man.  I get excited and sad at the same time of the changes that will occur but overall I love every stage of each of my children’s lives. 

Though they have a lot to learn in the years to come they have taught me much as well.   They have taught us to pick our battles as not every battle can be won.  Choose wisely as they have a memory that is long.  They will make mistakes along the way as we often do but reacting accordingly is imperative to future success and happiness.

So on Monday I turn on my computer to read my e-mails.  Being slightly weary of spam, viruses and other vicious things sent through e-mail I viewed this particular one cautiously.  It seemed legit but sent by mistake for sure.  I open with one eye open and check the return address.  It was someone that works at the BSO (Boston Symphony Orchestra).  Well some of you know that they are affiliated with Tanglewood in western Massachusetts.  It was a quick e-mail that was obviously not intended for me.  Like the good samaritan I sent her back a quick e-mail letting her know that I did not think I was the intended recipient to the correspondence

The e-mail conversation went as follows:

(Me)

I received your e-mail below but not sure how you got it.  My name is Sarah Harrigan and I have purchased tickets for Tanglewood but have nothing to do with a business account.

(Tanglewood)

so sorry!

(Me)

If you hook my husband and I up with tickets to Carol King and James Taylor all will be forgiven.  Only kidding.  No problem.  Have a great day.

(Tanglewood)

I can do that. 

(Me)

Really?  I have been up to Tanglewood 5 times to see him and she is one of my favorites as well.  If you aren’t kidding let me know what information you need from me.

(Tanglewood)

O.K. I am not kidding but I only do this for special people.  Are you special?  Only kidding…  Now, of course, nothing will happen-you will have a blast and I will feel better knowing you are out there.  My cell is XXX-XXX-XXXX.  Hope this works for you.

(Me)

First and foremost thank you from the bottom of my heart.  My husband would be more than happy to assist.  We live in XXXXXX Connecticut currently but we look forward to concerts at Tanglewood every summer.  Just to give you a little background this summer will be a little different for us as I was laid off from Travelers Insurance (after 15 years) last fall.  As we are trying to conserve money this was one of the things that we had decided to forego.  This will be a special treat for us that I cannot even put into words what a great opportunity this is.  Again, thank you so much as it means more to us than you know.  I am not only special but lucky.

(Tanglewood)

You are special-this will be great!  I am sorry things are a little tough and that this will help.  Yes, get in touch a little before the concert.  It is funny-the circumstances with which we connected but so glad you are excited.  My pleasure.

 

So it is with great pleasure that Rich and I will be attending the James Taylor and Carol King this summer at Tanglewood.  So here is to finding another kindred spirit among us.