Smooth roads never make good drivers.

There is a saying that goes something like this.

"Smooth roads never make good drivers, clear skies never make good pilots, a problem free life never makes a strong person."

I thought about that as I was driving Noah to his new school to drop off some paperwork.The school year is quickly approaching, and we are starting to transition back to the old routine. Well, old routine, but new surroundings. And it's new surroundings for both boys. Nik is starting high school, and Noah is starting middle school this year.

The road leading to the school is freshly paved. New clothes are neatly folded and waiting for that first day of school. Freshly sharpened pencils, crisp folders, and spiral bound notebooks are ready to meet the new school year. It's all so perfect.

But the reality is that nothing is perfect. The road will grow bumpy over time. Clothes will get dirty. Pencils will break. You get the idea. Hard work lies ahead for us. Because nothing that is truly worth it, is easy. There will be struggles for the boys.  Nik will try to find his niche in high school, and starting the 4 year transition to adulthood.  Noah will be increasing his independence, and hopefully become a more social kid. There will be moments where Alex and I will feel that loss for the futures we had planned 14 and 11 years ago. This usually happens around IEP meetings.

The months will fly by. And fortunately, the great will outweigh the not so great moments of the school year. At the end of May, we will look back and say what we always say. Look at the amazing progress our boys made!

Yeah, it would be great for that road to stay nice and smooth. But that would be boring, wouldn't it? Bring on the new year. We're ready to face the challenge.