On August 6th, during my second day back at work after being diagnosed with a Cervical Herniated Disc, I still felt weak. Wearing the full duty belt, heavy and dragging on my right side, exacerbated the pain in my right arm. I requested a brief break and retreated to the bathroom for a moment alone.
Reflecting in the mirror, I contemplated my circumstances—the ongoing pain, Jamison's difficulties, and the ambiguity surrounding how to help him. I paused to pray, asking for direction, restoration, and methods to aid Jamison. Subsequently, I resumed work at my desk, my attitude transformed, believing that I had entrusted my tribulations to God, assured that He would lead me through them.
I managed to finish my shift and got off work at 0600 hours. After driving home, I removed all my gear and took a hot shower, hoping it would alleviate the pain in my neck and right arm. Following that, I applied muscle recovery cream to my neck and arm and took some medication for relief. Eventually, I lay down to sleep.
At 07:26, it was time to wake up, not to the sound of an alarm, but due to an email sent to both Jake and me. Jake urged me to check my email, emphasizing its importance. Half-asleep and sitting up in bed, I was puzzled about the content, as nothing urgent was pending, and I needed more sleep to avoid being irritable later. Upon checking my email, I found the awaited answer. Jamison had been offered a spot at Nampa Christian. I breathed a sigh of relief and felt a surge of excitement for him; after all, I had attended Nampa Christian from the 9th to the 12th grade and graduated in 2004. Thrilled about Jamison's new adventure, I promptly emailed the school's Director, accepting the offer and confirming our attendance for the tour at 11:30 that morning.
That morning, my family and I went to Nampa Christian, where we met with the director. Jamison was given a tour of the school, including his future classrooms, the lunch area, the chapel, and the football practice field where he would meet his new teammates after school. Despite his initial fear of changing schools, Jamison was receptive to making new friends and starting this new chapter. They say children are resilient, and he certainly proved it; by the end of the tour, he was brimming with excitement rather than tears.
Later that afternoon, we received a call to meet with the middle school principal. During the meeting, we introduced ourselves; his father and I discussed our educational, religious, and employment backgrounds. Meanwhile, Jamison shared his interests, which include all the sports he plays and his favorite subject in class. Surprisingly, Jamison has a passion for math, enjoys crunching numbers, and loves singing, just like his mother, and is a member of the choir. At the meeting's conclusion, the principal provided Jamison with his school supply list, as school was starting in four days. Jamison ended the meeting with a prayer, and we were scheduled to return on Friday to complete the rest of the enrollment process.
On Friday morning, I accompanied Jamison to Starbucks for a refresher and a chocolate chip cookie before his Math and Reading placement test, which, according to the librarian, he performed well on. Subsequently, I ensured that his football practice registration was complete, with practice commencing on Monday. After informing the secretary of his completion, she assigned him a locker and directed him to the 7th-grade hallway to locate it. Finding it with ease, Jamison inquired if he could bring the supplies he had purchased the previous day later in the afternoon. With all the supplies prepared in his room, we planned to collect them and return to the school post-lunch as we drove home.
As we finished lunch and cleaned up the kitchen, I began checking my emails and came across one from the school director. It stated, "Jamison was no longer able to attend because they would not be giving him the spot due to his religion, being Catholic."
I was speechless, confused, and unsure of what to say. I showed the email to Jake, and he too was uncertain how to react. I stood frozen, as if the world had stopped moving. How could something that felt like an answered prayer be taken away, leaving me feeling so broken and shattered, trying to piece everything together yet missing that one piece that would make it all make sense? I had attended that school as a Catholic; what made my son any different? With no answers and seeking clarity, I immediately emailed the director back. Her response was hurtful, rude, and unprofessional, far from Christlike, simply stating, "Jamison can take and share his new Bible at his new school."
I contacted a friend who has children attending the school, and they suggested I email the Superintendent, which I did. It's been nearly a month with no response from him, leaving me without clarity or understanding. This situation is upsetting and troubling to me, as I was raised Catholic and have friends with Catholic children attending the school. I don't understand why my child couldn't attend; instead, they suggested I change our church for another opportunity to be on the waiting list.
Another lesson learned is that understanding or clarity may not always be within reach. We might not uncover all the answers we seek or desire. At times, we may not obtain the closure we expect, but as Jamison has demonstrated resilience, I too must find strength for him. I could not bear to tell my child that he could not participate because of the church he attends. After all, he is only 12, and it's my responsibility to protect him. Most importantly, I am nurturing a child who has faith and believes in God.
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