Christina Raimondi

A Bittersweet First Day Back at Somers ❤️ Today was Matthew’s first day back at Somers, and he officially started 10th grade in the GOAL program — the very same program his big brother Michael was in. There are so many emotions wrapped up in today. Matthew was very nervous and a little overwhelmed. This is his first experience back in a traditional high school setting since everything changed, and it is very different from what he experienced at Blythedale, where he spent the remainder of 8th grade and all of 9th grade working so hard on his recovery. One of the most meaningful parts of today is knowing that Matthew is surrounded by the same amazing team of staff and teachers who were so dedicated to helping Michael succeed. It brings comfort knowing that people who knew and cared about Michael are now here to support Matthew as he continues to heal, learn, and grow. At the same time, today is incredibly bittersweet. Being back at Somers is another reminder that Michael is no longer here. I find myself thinking about the school years he should have had and how this would have been his senior year. I am heartbroken that he never got the chance to finish high school, graduate, and experience all of the things that should have been ahead of him. Seeing everyone’s beautiful first-day-of-school pictures is something I genuinely enjoy, but it also comes with that painful reminder that my Michael is missing from those moments. I will always wonder what his senior year would have looked like. But today, I am choosing to celebrate Matthew. ❤️ He has overcome so much, and seeing him walk back into a school building and begin this next chapter is something I am incredibly proud of. I am hopeful that this will be a successful school year for Matthew and that he will continue to gain confidence, make new memories, and recognize just how far he has come. And to everyone who has supported us, encouraged us, prayed for us, donated, checked in, shared our story, or simply continued to stand beside us through these past couple of years — thank you. I will never be able to fully express how much your kindness and support have meant to me and to Matthew. ❤️ We are taking this one day at a time, and today was a big one. Here’s to a new school year, new memories, and continued healing. ❤️