I wonder how Naveed will navigate his own path – and how much I must nurture and how much I must learn to let go
“S
chools are finally re-opening, mate,” my volleyball friend Sardar announced, grinning with unmistakable relief. It clearly had nothing to do with how we played that evening – we lost badly. This joy was about classrooms, routines, teachers and the quiet order that schools bring back into families’ lives.
For us, it also meant something else entirely: my youngest, Naveed, is starting school for the first time.
Over the past few days, we’ve been wandering through shopping centres and uniform shops, trying to dress and equip him for what feels, in his mind at least, like a major mission. Judging by his choices – bold backpacks, superhero-themed drink bottles – I suspect he believes some special powers might be required. Watching him prepare has been tender and amusing in equal measure.
