Whew, well that was a little hairy. Today being the first full day of school and all. All three actually made it out the door to the bus stop on time. A miracle!
I took yesterday off so I could take my kids to school, pay the fees and get them settled. It was a big thing around here as it was youngest daughters first day of junior high. She was a bundle of nerves all weekend. It was a lot for her to handle. A lot on her plate. A new school, new teachers, new routine and the biggest thing, her best friend having moved away in the summer. And not to forget my baby is actually a whole year younger than brother and sister were when they started junior high. It's because of where her birthday falls but that is a whole other issue for another post. And she's my most sensitive and emotional child.
We got to the school and I let her do the leading. If she wanted me to walk in or walk to her class, I would, if not, I'd be outa there. Well, we walked in together, found the homeroom lists. Well, looky there, her friend is in her class, and look, she gets a great teacher. One I know well. I used to work with him oh about, well let's just say a long time ago. So she's in the class, she's smiling. I can actually go without the big emotional scene I thought was going to happen.
As I'm leaving, I didn't feel the emotional upset I thought I'd be feeling at my youngest starting junior high. I was very surprised. I thought I'd be a basketcase and have a tearfest all the way out of the school. But I felt happy. Not happy that they were all back in school, but happy for her that she was getting to start fresh. Make some new friends, learn some new things, get to be a little more grown up. As I walked out, in my mind's eye, I was letting out the string of her kite just a little bit more. And even though, one day, I know I have to let that string totally go, today is not that day. Today is a day to just let it fly a little higher and let it experience a bit more breeze.
I took yesterday off so I could take my kids to school, pay the fees and get them settled. It was a big thing around here as it was youngest daughters first day of junior high. She was a bundle of nerves all weekend. It was a lot for her to handle. A lot on her plate. A new school, new teachers, new routine and the biggest thing, her best friend having moved away in the summer. And not to forget my baby is actually a whole year younger than brother and sister were when they started junior high. It's because of where her birthday falls but that is a whole other issue for another post. And she's my most sensitive and emotional child.
We got to the school and I let her do the leading. If she wanted me to walk in or walk to her class, I would, if not, I'd be outa there. Well, we walked in together, found the homeroom lists. Well, looky there, her friend is in her class, and look, she gets a great teacher. One I know well. I used to work with him oh about, well let's just say a long time ago. So she's in the class, she's smiling. I can actually go without the big emotional scene I thought was going to happen.
As I'm leaving, I didn't feel the emotional upset I thought I'd be feeling at my youngest starting junior high. I was very surprised. I thought I'd be a basketcase and have a tearfest all the way out of the school. But I felt happy. Not happy that they were all back in school, but happy for her that she was getting to start fresh. Make some new friends, learn some new things, get to be a little more grown up. As I walked out, in my mind's eye, I was letting out the string of her kite just a little bit more. And even though, one day, I know I have to let that string totally go, today is not that day. Today is a day to just let it fly a little higher and let it experience a bit more breeze.
Maybe Mom and daughter are both growing up.
10 comments:
That's a big day for both of you - thanks for sharing with us and I'm glad (seriously) you came through it well.
Oh Susanne. I knew that you were worried about this day, but God knew it too and took care of it all.
Isn't it amazing how much we grow up with our kids?
Blessings to you!
As you can tell from my post today, I'm having a hard time with this! I'm glad to read that it gets easier as time goes on. And what a beautiful image - I can't imagine that the day will come when I'm happy to let my kids go a bit, but I'm glad to hear that I'l going to keep growing with them and that someday that WILL happen.
Glad you are both doing well -- it is hard when they start school (Kindergarten) but I think it is equally hard as they begin Jr. High and High School - we have to let go just a little more and see the foundation we have laid come to surface. AND WE PRAY!!! :)
(I have to post anonymously until blogger sorts out the beta blogger problem)
Dee - All the While (www.deeaustin.blogspot.com)
Congrats to mom and daughter! Great start to another year.
It was good to get our first day of the year done and "under our belt" as well...
Oh now, Susanne, did you have to go & make me cry? I don't want to even think of letting go of the string.
I am glad everything turned out so well for her. That makes it so much easier for us, huh?
I just went through sending my three off yesterday. I hung around my 7th grade daughter's locker as she did extreme makeover with magnets, pictures and nic-nacs. I couldn't seem to pull away and leave and she is my oldest. It's a private school with only 20 7th graders. What am I going to do when she goes to a 5A high school in 2 years? I love the kite comparison- I will try to remember that.
I loved loved your analogy of letting out the string of a kite. I will remember that and use it when I talk to groups of moms. That turning loose is oh so hard, but a little string at a time is doable. Great! Glad her first day of jr high was a good one. Who on earth ever wants to repeat that stage in life?
Beautifully written.
Beautifully stated. A huge day, really.
I was letting out the string of her kite just a little bit more. And even though, one day, I know I have to let that string totally go, today is not that day. Today is a day to just let it fly a little higher and let it experience a bit more breeze.
I love the way you put this - really a great picture of how parenting is letting go just a little bit at a time.
Thanks for sharing!
PS: I really really love visiting your blog! Your look, your posts, even the cartoon of you - so warm, friendly and welcoming. It always encourages me.
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