This note was promptly returned, with a message saying that late notes needed an explanation on them, detailing the cause for the lateness.

I get it. Being on time is important. Learning the value of timeliness is, well, timeless. But my honest-Abe personality notwithstanding, I didn’t think Rebbi Fried really wanted to know what went on this morning. Plus, I have a reputation to maintain.

So, I’ve taken to writing notes like this:

To Rebbi Fried,

I’m sorry Yitzchak is late this morning. We all had a late morning.

D. Cohen

But something in my creative spirit rebels against this brief and boring memo. I wish my excuses were more exciting or even more frum.

Something like this?

To Rebbi Fried,

This morning Yitzchak helped perform the rare mitzvah of Pidyon Peter Chamor at his grandfather’s farm at dawn. (Due to coronavirus, attendance for the event was limited, and he was lucky to be one of the few honored participants.) We hope you understand his tardiness, but this was a valuable chinuch opportunity we just could not pass up.

D. Cohen

Or this?

To Rebbi Fried,

On our way to school this morning, Yitzchak noticed a wounded and distressed cat stuck in a tree. He attempted to rescue the poor animal and bring it to safety. The fire department was subsequently called to extricate both Yitzchak and the cat from the tree. Baruch Hashem, with the help of the able-bodied firemen, they were both swiftly rescued. We’re so proud of our mitzvah boy.

D. Cohen

Late notes like these would certainly brand me as a mother who views real-life situations as a conduit for personal growth in my children. While school is undeniably important, there can be valid and important reasons for lateness that may even gain the admiration, if not respect, of the school faculty. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d call little old me for ideas on how to take the dry class curriculum and bring it to life outside the classroom.

But for now, we’re still late, our notes are generic, and my son was dismayed this week when he arrived too late for Shabbos party. But maybe that’s a good thing. Nothing like natural consequences to prod us out of bed in the morning bright and early.

(Originally featured in Family First, Issue 745)