Accepted!

The mail arrived early today, about 11:30 am. I'm off this week (using up vacation days) and the mail man actually had something I needed to sign for, so I got the mail right away. Amidst the pile of material to go directly to the recycling box was a large white envelope from SUNY New Paltz for Sawyer. I knew it was the letter saying if he'd been accepted for early decision, deferred for regular admission or rejected. It stared at me all day long until Sawyer came home about 6:30 pm after wrestling practice. No surprise I suppose, it said he was accepted (so happy for him).

Next step is to send in the deposit and get signed up for an accepted open house in late March and orientation in July. They have concurrent orientations for parents and students. Sawyer already knows he wants to sign up for a first year hall that focuses on leadership and community service, with an extra focus on getting the students in the hall to bond and work together on academics and social activities.

So proud! And excited to be thinking about the next stage in his life toward learning more about life, independence, and his chosen field of environmental science.

Anticipation

Oh my, I didn't realize it's been so long since the last post! Time definitely seems to be moving quickly these last few months. Sawyer submitted his application to SUNY New Paltz (on the Hudson River, about 4.5 hours from home) for early decision in mid-November. He's now anxiously waiting for a letter to show up in the mailbox. The latest he should know is January 1st but we're certainly hoping for sooner!

Wrestling season has begun. It means an increase in activity and required energy level, something that is often hard to balance with staying healthy. The doctors increased one of his meds to knock his blood counts down a bit (they don't like them to be super good apparently), so that combined with long days of wrestling tournaments, exhausting practices, school, and life in general have meant that he's been struggling to ward off fatigue and colds. He's been home from school the last two days; doctor says he doesn't have strep throat, but he will be talking with his coach about backing off a bit. It's not an easy thing to ask, especially when you're committed to being a contributing team member. His coach is very understanding and willing to work with what Sawyer needs, but it does lead to some internal disappointment for his senior year.

We had a nice Thanksgiving with both sides of our family. Certainly the food was delicious and it's always so good to catch up with everyone. It won't be long and we'll all be together again for Christmas!