UP YOUR NOSE WITH A RUBBER HOSE

My son does not exist. Well, according to the list of students the school just sent out, my son does not exist. One of the few nice things that happens in my suburb is that the elementary school sends out a class list with the child's name and parent contact information. That makes it easy to make play dates or invite kids to a party. Last year, my son did not appear on the list. I chalked it up to being new and didn't worry about it. However, this year he is not on the list again. I called the school to tell them, but of course, I was told I must not have filled out the paperwork. I thought they would care that a child was missing from the list. No, they didn't care. I was told that perhaps they might be able to fix my son's class list, but there would not be a new list sent out. It wasn't even a hard copy, but an email! I didn't press too hard. You can't make someone care that your child won't be invited to parties and miss out on play dates. We expect so much from our teachers and schools. So many of us grew up watching TV shows like The Facts of Life and Welcome Back, Kotter. All those caring teachers that populate TV. Although, today those Sweathogs would be in special education instead of remedial education. How could any real person or institution ever live up to fabulous 70s entertainment and fashion?

I remember when my daughter graduated from 2nd grade there was a celebration, even caps and gowns! I happened to be visiting the school before the ceremony and looked at the graduation list. My daughter's name was missing. It was missing because all of the kids in the special education program were missing. I told the principal. She was very apologetic and the list was changed. I remember her kindness in changing the list, but I also remember her oversight in having all the special education children missing.

Lists are important. Belonging is important. At least, I thought it was or maybe it is just: Up your nose with a rubber hose.