A Boring Summer

  • Post category:School
  • Reading time:3 mins read

It seems like just yesterday that James finished his first year of high school, but that was three months ago. Where did the summer go? I swear that I just blinked, the summer came to an abrupt end, and it was back to school. I really wish I had some exciting summer adventures to share with you, but I’ve got nothing. Other than the three weeks of summer school that James had in June, it was a pretty boring summer for him.

I tried to explain to him why we couldn’t take a vacation this summer, but I am not sure if he understood. We’re trying to save enough money for a new van so that our car payment is $500 a month at the most. I am hoping we can come up with enough money to make them less than that. We’ve been putting $500 a month into savings to get ourselves in the habit of having a $500 car payment, and with Stacy not working as much this summer because James is home, it’s been a bit of a stretch.

There were a couple of occasions when she had to go take care of a dog and took James with her.

 

A four‑photo collage features a brown dog. The top image shows the dog lying on a carpeted floor with its head down, looking toward the camera, with a large pet bed, patterned pillows, a leather couch, and a brick wall in the background. The bottom three photos show the dog inside a vehicle beside James in his wheelchair — standing close in the first two images and leaning in to nuzzle or lick his face in the third — capturing affectionate moments between them.
James meeting one of Mommy’s clients

 

James’ one-on-one school nurse helped out, too, by coming over a few times to watch James so that Stacy could walk a few dogs during the week.

 

Two people sit together outside on a sunny day. James sits on the right wearing sunglasses, a green shirt, and a colorful neck support with bicycle patterns. His nurse sits beside him, has dark hair, wears sunglasses, and a black‑and‑white striped shirt. Behind them is a bright blue sky and green trees, creating a relaxed outdoor moment in the sunshine.
June 27th: Went for a walk with his nurse while Mommy was out working

 

Two people sit together outdoors under a shaded canopy. James' nurse wears a blue cap and a black shirt, while James sits beside her wearing a dark bucket hat, sunglasses, and a white towel draped around his neck. Behind them are green trees, grass, and a partly cloudy sky, creating a relaxed park‑like setting that captures a quiet moment of companionship outside.
July 5th: Out for a walk with his nurse while Mommy was out working

 

James sits in a supportive stroller in the living room, wearing sunglasses, a patterned shirt, and a neck pillow with pink accents. A light blanket covers his lower body, and black shoes rest on the foot supports. The room includes a couch draped with a white sheet, a coffee table with tissues and small items, a toy turtle on the floor, and nearby medical or assistive equipment, creating a comfortable and accessible home setting.
July 22nd: Ready to go for a walk with his nurse

 

Other than that, James spent most of the summer in front of the TV. I feel bad that we weren’t able to do anything exciting this summer, and I promised him that we’ll take a trip once we get a new van. I’m not sure how much longer our van will hold together, and I don’t want to get ourselves into the same situation I was in a couple of years ago when I was forced to buy a new car. Wheelchair accessible vans are frickin’ expensive! I’d like to see if we can come up with another $9,000 or $10,000 for a down payment before we start seriously looking for a new(er) van. Our fundraiser is still open if you want to help us out.

Thankfully James went back to school last week, so his boring summer is over. He had an amazing year last year and we’re looking forward to seeing what his second year of high school has in store for him.

 

Two side‑by‑side photos show James lying on a light‑colored carpeted floor, wearing a navy shirt with colorful hotdog cartoons. A plush brown dog‑shaped neck pillow rests around his neck in both images. The left photo shows his hair longer, while the right photo shows his hair freshly cut and shorter. Colorful text across the nottom reads “BACK‑to‑SCHOOL,” marking the moment as a before‑and‑after haircut comparison for the new school year.
Back to School haircut: before and after

 

James sits in his wheelchair inside the house, wearing sunglasses, a gray hoodie, and a colorful patterned neck pillow. The chair has red frame accents and supportive foot straps. He holds a small sign that reads “FIRST DAY OF 10th Grade.” The background shows a patterned rug, a door with a gold handle, and household items like a bag and furniture, capturing the moment of starting a new school year.
First Day of 10th Grade

 

And you know what back to school means, right? Somebody has a birthday coming up. This weekend we will be celebrating our little dude turning 15. I’ll give you a hint of what his birthday party theme is this year.

 

A colorful birthday graphic features a black T‑shirt printed with the phrase “LET’S Fiesta FOR MY Birthday” in bright lettering, surrounded by illustrations of a sombrero, maracas, a guitar, a cactus, chili peppers, and confetti. Above the shirt, festive text reads “Happy Birthday James.” Additional fiesta‑themed decorations, including a piñata, guitar, cactus, and chili pepper, frame the design to create a lively, celebratory look.

 

Check back next week for some party pictures.