Dealing With The 1%

Today after I dropped Autumn off at “college” and was heading back out to my car, her teacher stopped me in the lobby and said she wanted to ask me a few questions.  She asked if Autumn had any siblings and I said that she had 2 half brothers and 3 half sisters.  She then asked their names and said that she’s noticed lately that Autumn has been telling some tall tales about her siblings to the other kids.  The teacher said that all the kids will be talking about their families and Autumn will say things about how her brothers and sisters did this and that.  The teacher said she’ll probably talk to Autumn and just kindly remind her that we always need to tell the truth, and I agreed w/ her completely.  I told her I’ve been telling Autumn the same thing at home.

However, when I got out to the car to leave, I just sat and cried for a minute.  99% of the time I don’t worry about the fact that Autumn comes from a broken/split home, b/c she is surrounded by so much love that I think it makes up for it.  But, there is that 1% and times like that, that make me sad for her and that she doesn’t have siblings around to make memories with.  I know she just says those things b/c she wants to feel included and wants to have her own stories to share.  So, I had my little cry and will move past it and will listen more closely for things like that at home so we can talk about it in a loving and supportive manner.

When I picked here up, she seemed completely fine so I don’t know if her teacher talked to her or not.  I’ve told her in the past that if she ever has questions about her Dad or brothers and sisters to just ask me.  I want her to feel comfortable asking about them, b/c they are her family and help establish part of her identity.

I’m also so thankful that I was able to go to sleep tonight w/ peace knowing that Autumn’s teacher was just trying to be helpful and that Autumn has so many people that love her and she’ll be just fine (and so will I for that matter).