Thanks to Gus, summer school is smooth sailing

Over the years of Gus's life, I could thank him at various times for making our lives more unpredictable, fun, hilarious, but I could never say my little handful made my life easier. Until now. Ben, Paul and Gus started summer school last Monday, and they're off to a great start. I feel a huge sense of relief that Gus has transitioned so easily to his Monday through Thursday early learners class. The hour and 40 minutes of having all three boys in an activity has been a heavenly break for me.

Ever since enrolling in Gus in preschool for the fall, I've felt a lingering anxiety about how it was going to go. It was sort of on a whim that I decided to sign up my youngest for summer school. I thought it would be nice to have G in an activity a couple days a week. I thought maybe a playground group through Park & Rec, but none of the times aligned with when Ben and Paul would be in summer school, and yes, I wanted that coveted small space of time to myself. I was skeptical about summer school for Gus. He meets the age requirement, but with an August 18 birthday, he'll only be 3 for the entirety of the class, certainly one of the younger children if not the youngest. And he's not exactly, you know, mature for his age. I went for it, though, and hoped for the best.

The first day I picked up Gus, I asked Mrs. Van Beek with more than a little apprehension, "How did he do?" "Great!" she said. It's such a treat it is to watch Gus go to school each morning (and not just because of the alone time it affords me). He starts each day with a huge grin on his face, going into his classroom with enthusiasm. He gives me a quick hug and kiss before I leave and happily joins his class.

The easy time Gus is giving me is all the sweeter after spending years working through Paul's enormous separation anxiety. (Paul's still that way, though at least not with temper tantrums anymore, thank God.) I watched one day last week as a harried mom of a boy in Gus's class tried to coax her sobbing son into the classroom. I felt a mix of empathy (been there!) and relief (I'm so happy that's not me anymore). So thank you, Gus, for making it so easy for me. I think now I can even let myself stop worrying about preschool in the fall. Now that's a big gift.