Worst day EVER!

Date: June 27th
Where: School
Who: Jarod

This morning, I mistakenly told Jarod that he could wear pajamas to school today. I also told him he could wear his flip flops. He seemed really happy with this idea.

At 8:15 A.M, I get a phone call. Jarod is in tears. He wants me to bring his regular shoes. I asked if he was in trouble for wearing the flip flops and he said, "I think a little bit." Not very easy to get a straight answer out of him. I bring him his shoes and run off to help with Emma's Kindergarten "graduation" party in her classroom.

Later, at lunch time, I see Jarod peeking into the lunchroom with a forlorn look on his sad, sad face. I motion with my hand for him to come in, and he won't. I have to go outside and drag him inside. "What's wrong? What are you doing?" I demand.

"I don't want to be seen in my pajamas. Today is not pajama day."

Cold terror raced in my veins. In my mind, I try to recall what it said on this weeks itinerary. It mentioned something about blankets and sleeping bags. And I have seen several other classes and grades wearing pajamas and must have assumed today was his pajama day, without verifying it. Oh, shit. What have I done?

Once the lunch line is gone, I take Jarod to his classroom and find his teacher. She asked if there was anything wrong, because of Jarod's llama face. I asked if it was pajama day and to my horror she confirmed the worst...Today is NOT pajama day. And Jarod got teased for it. Either the kids made fun of him or gave him shit, but he was obviously distressed about the whole ordeal.

Every bad moment I had in my illustrious (HA) school years came flooding back and I just felt terrible, as if I was Jarod and those kids were fucking with me. I started to cry, but tried to stifle it, because my co-workers will not understand. I think Jarod has gotten through four years of school without too much drama and now this happens. And the fact that he can't articulate his thoughts, really distresses and frustrates me and those around who love him.

I just hope the fourth grade will not be a stuggle for him.....