My last 48 hours have gone from meditative silence, to an all-night relay for cancer awareness, to three hours on the phone with Apple tech support, to the hand sharpening of 24 pencils.

Today is Jeb’s first day of second grade.  He’s transitioning from a small, independent school to our town’s six-acre public elementary school.  I’ve got the jitters and must appear casual, yet supportive.  Positive, but not overly enthusiastic.

I have prepared lunch in advance.  His backpack is loaded with school supplies, including the requested “24 #2 pencils, sharpened.”

We’re out the door in 45 minutes.