Today

Today, my 17-year-old son’s alarm went off at 6 AM. Charlotte Bacon’s did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son reluctantly got out of bed. Daniel Barden did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son got dressed in one of his favorite t-shirts, a sweater he had darned, and jeans that he had patched (not because it was needed but because he is creative with fashion). Olivia Engel did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son ate yogurt and drank some coffee that my husband had made. Josephine Gay did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son brushed his teeth and combed his (mop like) hair. Dylan Hockley did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son put on a warm(ish) coat, scarf and gloves before heading out the door. Madeleine Hsu did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son was handed gas/breakfast money by me. Catherine Hubbard was not.

Today, my 17-year-old son drove “his” car to get gas and breakfast before he went to school. Chase Kowalski did not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will probably go out during his study hall period with friends to get coffee or some snack. Jesse Lewis will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will attend classes in AP English, Family Living, History, Graphic Design, and Marketing, Advertising & Sales. Ana Márquez-Greene will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will (probably) eat the lunch I packed for him with his friends. James Mattioli will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will audition for the spring musical (call back day). Grace McDonnell will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will drive “his” car home from school (perhaps dropping off a friend on the way). Emilie Parker will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will have dinner with his family. Jack Pinto will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will do his homework (if he has any). Noah Pozner will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will (probably) wonder when he will hear from his top college choice. Caroline Previd will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will listen to “his” music too loudly (using his ear buds). Jessica Rekos will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will work on one of his passion projects. (Probably his ever evolving jeans or denim jacket.) Avielle Richman will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will follow his evening routine; undressing (socks missing the laundry hamper), showering (bathroom floor puddled with water) and brushing his teeth (leaving the toothpaste uncapped). Benjamin Wheeler will not.

Today, my 17-year-old son will climb into his warm bed, turn off his light (later than I would like), and go to sleep. Allison Wyatt will not.

Beth Shorten is a life-long resident of Verona. For more than eight years, she has been chronicling life here on her personal site, Bfth’s Boring Blog.