Right around the Corner
We are in the midst of preparing for the start of the school season in our house this week. School supply lists are being checked and rechecked, teachers are being met, hair is being cut, shoes are being purchased, and bed times are moving up (yeah! finally!)
It's such an exciting time of year. Katie will be starting 2nd Grade - she is an old pro at school now, having been through it all before. And Ella . . . Ella will be starting a 3yr. old preschool program this year. She will be going to school for three half days each week. When I told Ella that I met with her teacher last week, my little "hot mess" asked me, "Is she still mad at me???" I wasn't quite sure what she meant by that question - and I assured her that her teacher was NOT mad at her. I can only think that this is some sort of foreshadowing of the weeks ahead.
As I get things set for the start of school, I am reminded of Katie's first day of school last year. It was a pretty special moment for me - to see my first born head of to start her education. I thought it would be fun to revisit a post from back then . . .
So, without further adieu, I share with you something I wrote on August 24, 2009 titled . . .
There she goes . . . .
What is it about that first day of school excitement . . . for a Mom?
I never realized that I, the Mom, would be so excited, nervous, and full of tears just seeing the bus turn the corner to pick up my child and take her to school. Katie started First Grade (number 1, the beginning, the start of it all) today. She will now be in school, for the next 16+ years (God willing).
I sat at the kitchen table this morning trying to come up with that one sentence that would make a difference in her life, that would solve all her problems and send her out there into the world ready for anything. The one that would leave her hungry for knowledge and confident to ask for it. The statement that would turn her into the first female President of the United States, or a brain surgeon, or an artist, or a teacher, or all of the above. But it just didn't come. How do you sum up all of those thoughts in one, or even a few, sentences? All I could say was, "Honey, if you work really hard and if you learn all that you can learn, you can do anything."
If you are a Mom reading this, who has already sent your kids on to school, you probably understand what I'm talking about. I wanted to say to the bus driver, "Hey, listen, this is MY child you are driving to school. You don't know this - but she is going to do great things in her life. So smile at her. Say 'hello' to her. Take care of her like she is your own, ok?" But I didn't. I watched my daughter, my first born, get on the bus and start this most exciting chapter of her life. Wow. . . I can't even remember what I felt like when I was 6. I don't expect Kate to remember alot about this day, either. But at least through this blog she will someday be able to read about it. And know exactly how proud her Mommy was of her.
I Love you, Katie. Always.
It's such an exciting time of year. Katie will be starting 2nd Grade - she is an old pro at school now, having been through it all before. And Ella . . . Ella will be starting a 3yr. old preschool program this year. She will be going to school for three half days each week. When I told Ella that I met with her teacher last week, my little "hot mess" asked me, "Is she still mad at me???" I wasn't quite sure what she meant by that question - and I assured her that her teacher was NOT mad at her. I can only think that this is some sort of foreshadowing of the weeks ahead.
As I get things set for the start of school, I am reminded of Katie's first day of school last year. It was a pretty special moment for me - to see my first born head of to start her education. I thought it would be fun to revisit a post from back then . . .
So, without further adieu, I share with you something I wrote on August 24, 2009 titled . . .
There she goes . . . .
What is it about that first day of school excitement . . . for a Mom?
I never realized that I, the Mom, would be so excited, nervous, and full of tears just seeing the bus turn the corner to pick up my child and take her to school. Katie started First Grade (number 1, the beginning, the start of it all) today. She will now be in school, for the next 16+ years (God willing).
I sat at the kitchen table this morning trying to come up with that one sentence that would make a difference in her life, that would solve all her problems and send her out there into the world ready for anything. The one that would leave her hungry for knowledge and confident to ask for it. The statement that would turn her into the first female President of the United States, or a brain surgeon, or an artist, or a teacher, or all of the above. But it just didn't come. How do you sum up all of those thoughts in one, or even a few, sentences? All I could say was, "Honey, if you work really hard and if you learn all that you can learn, you can do anything."
If you are a Mom reading this, who has already sent your kids on to school, you probably understand what I'm talking about. I wanted to say to the bus driver, "Hey, listen, this is MY child you are driving to school. You don't know this - but she is going to do great things in her life. So smile at her. Say 'hello' to her. Take care of her like she is your own, ok?" But I didn't. I watched my daughter, my first born, get on the bus and start this most exciting chapter of her life. Wow. . . I can't even remember what I felt like when I was 6. I don't expect Kate to remember alot about this day, either. But at least through this blog she will someday be able to read about it. And know exactly how proud her Mommy was of her.
I Love you, Katie. Always.
You are such an insightful mom! GO LEANNE!
ReplyDeleteI remember my first day of Kindergarten. My parents kept talking to me, and all I wanted to do was head into the classroom and meet friends! What a different perspective!
I am having a huge anxiety attack right now. I can't believe millions of moms around the world have to go through this. It seems like we should get some sort of award for letting our kids go to school... it's practically an impossible task!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post Leanne! So many of us going through this back to school thing right now. Such mixed emotions. Your 2nd grader is a pro now:) My daughter will start preschool too next week and my son just started Kinder. It's been an exhausting week, both physically and mentally. (Good thing I started this sleep make over).
ReplyDeleteI love what you wanted to say to the bus driver...so true...maybe we could leave a little anonymous note, that wouldn't be so bad, would it? Hope your week is going well:)
Oh, I remember my first-born's first day of Kindergarten all too well...I was a MESS! SHE, on the other hand, was quite fine with the whole thing. The teacher literally (very sweetly and gently, mind you) took me by the hand and walked me to the door and said "It's time to go, Mom." Embarrassssssinnnnnngggg! With the other two it wasn't as bad, but I did cry all the way home with all three of them.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I wasn't supposed to leave that anonymously...it's late...wow
ReplyDeleteChills and smiles!!!! Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteOOH sweet sweet school days.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post, Leanne. I love how you wrote "Be kind to her...she is my child." I often think of that when dropping my kids off at practices or school or anywhere...Hey, be kind to my child. They are so special.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to just leave your child out there. With Jacks in HS I really worried about that, too. But he is truly finding himself and that is so great.
Have a happy day, dear:)
Hope your first day is going well. I also have a second grader starting today.
ReplyDeleteTwo more weeks until preschool - gives me some time to ease the pain of one being gone all day.
So bittersweet.