'To-Do List for the Last Week of Term' by Hilary Ayshford

 

Monday – Make packed lunch for Conrad's school outing.

Realise you forgot to ask whether this is a triangle sandwich week or if we've gone back to squares, and whether crusts are acceptable or not.

 

Tuesday – Phone the school to find out who has Conrad's blazer.

He came home from the trip wearing a jacket that has seen better days and is at least three sizes too big for him. You understand how Conrad would find this entirely normal, but how would the teachers not have noticed?

 

Wednesday – Make sure Conrad has his swimming kit in his school bag.

His trunks are not in the airing cupboard where you put them last week. Search the house and finally discover them, sopping wet, under the kitchen sink. Don't be tempted to ask Conrad to explain his reasoning, as his logic will trigger a migraine. Dig out spare pair and hope Conrad will consent to wear them.

 

Thursday -  Pack cupcakes in Tupperware box, labelled with Conrad's name, ready for class end-of-term picnic.

Explain to Conrad that sharing does not mean he should hand out the cakes to everyone on the bus on the way to school. He needs to save them for this afternoon to share with his classmates.

 

Friday – Put presents and cards for Conrad's teachers in his bag.

Feel sad that this is Conrad's last day of term. Wonder how you are going to cope with him on your own for the next six weeks. Even though he will never be like other boys, shed a few quiet tears of pride at how far he has come against all the odds.

 

Saturday - Make a list of all the things you can do together.