Family and School

My family consists in my mind of me, my mum and dad, and my two sisters.  Of course, I then add my one surviving grandparent, various aunts and uncles and cousins.  The Child will say herself, me and my parents.  She’ll then add The Ex, and my sisters, and her two cousins.  She’ll then add The Ex’s dad, now that she’s met him.  If she’s reminded she’ll mention Matriarch (The Ex’s mum), and her aunt and uncles on her dad’s side.

Now, meeting The Ex’s dad was an interesting experience.  It was the first time I had ever met him properly in the eight years I have known The Ex.  What struck me first was that he actually talked to The Child.  He then played games with The Child, and she actually considers him fun.  Now considering how everyone else in The Family (The Ex’s family that is) treats The Child I was simply amazed.  Someone in The Ex’s family (besides her two cousins) actually giving a toss about her?  Wow.  But of course, I must remember that he left Matriarch when The Ex was only two, and his younger brother was a baby.  It was Psycho who tracked him down some years ago, and since they have been trying to persuade him to move up here.  The Ex’s dad has finally agreed to move up here.  Baring in mind he’s been so resistant to the idea until now, I’m wondering why.  But then again, I’m a nosy cow.

Anyway, it’s nice that at least one adult member of The Family besides The Ex actually cares.  Of course it makes my life a bit more pleasant and easy that the others don’t, but that isn’t the point.  Hmm.  I suppose I’m just a bit mad.  I should be thrilled that they can’t be bothered with her really.  Oh well, Matriarch’s said she’ll buy The Child a school jumper.  I guess that’s as much as can be expected.  Oh, and she’ll probably want a photo of The Child in her school uniform.  Will she be bothered about asking The Child what school was like?  Well I guess she doesn’t think talking to children is important.  Just like teaching them how to respect others isn’t important.  And do kids really need affection of any kind?  Hmm.  She truly is the world’s most charming woman.  Not that I’m perfect mind, but I am capable of caring about people other than myself.  And if it came to throwing myself under a bus to protect The Child?  I wouldn’t even have to think about it.  It would be purely instinctive on my part.  Would Matriarch do that for any of her kids or grandkids?  Well, I’d be very surprised. 

This past week has given cause for me to feel a bit conflicted for reasons other than family.  The Child had her first visit to school.  It was very strange taking her there, and I confess I did feel a bit teary.  She's growing so fast, and I can’t believe how quickly the past four and a half years have gone.  She’s not my baby anymore, that’s for sure.  She has a best friend now too, and fortunately they are going to be in the same school class.  Such fortune is rare in my family I think.  Of course, once they get to school they could fall out or something, but when they start there will be some reassurance there I think.  Not that The Child needs it.  She’s so excited.  She just can’t wait to grow up.  And I suppose a part of me can’t wait for her to grow up either if I’m honest.  Still, I’m finding the whole thing terribly disconcerting.  I guess I just don’t like change.  I’ll adjust quickly though.  Like The Child, I always do.