When I began high school, I walked through the doors feeling overwhelmed and excited. The next four years, I remember thinking, would mold and shape me into an adult. And, surely I’d leave high school knowing everything there was to know about life, and about being a civilized, productive member of society. Big dreams for a skinny 13-year-old girl with braces and pimples, indeed. But, those were real dreams, and I was determined to see them through.

I’m convinced that my son and his friends have the same thoughts I had nearly 23 years ago (has it really been THAT long?). However, the beginning of high school will look much different for my son. There won’t be a chance to walk through the front door on that first day, nervously navigating hallways that don’t yet make sense. Though, undoubtedly, it’ll be an unforgettable start to his high school career.

The uncertainty is not easy for any of us, but I think our kids are being impacted the most by this pandemic. It’s hard to explain to my 14-year-old what to expect from day to day when I don’t really have a clear answer myself. Things are changing constantly to where, well, there is no constant. What is happening today in our community can completely change tomorrow. And, somehow, we’re supposed to be prepared and know how to respond.

Michael wants to be in school. He wants to start conditioning and weightlifting for the wrestling season. He needs to see his friends and he does better work when he has a good rapport with his teachers. To say he was disappointed that his freshman year is going to start virtually would be an understatement. When you’re a teenager, the world revolves around you, so it’s not easy to gain the perspective needed to face a pandemic, especially when you’ve spent the majority of the last five months in the confines of home.

As his mom, though, I’m breathing a small sigh of relief, knowing he will be safe and healthy at home. But, I’m also sad for him and for the memories he will forever have of freshman year. None of this is ideal, and none of this was planned. I’m hopeful that life can return to normal, if for no other reason than so our kids can experience normal again. Homecoming dances, student council elections, Friday night football games and everything else that comes with high school, those are the memories I want my son to have.

High school years were some of the best of my life. I want the same for my son, after we get through this crazy start.