Happy Tuesday to you! This post may be a little bit of a tear-jerker for some but I felt compelled to blog about it as this is the “season” I am in right now. It’s August 7 and time is not on my side anymore. As we approach one week before school starts I no longer have a preschooler, but a real kindergartener! I mean seriously, how is that even possible? Wasn’t it just a few days ago that he was teething, learning to crawl and walk?
When we first have kids we are in the trenches, I mean literally in the trenches and can barely see past the next feeding. Am I right? Then somehow in the blink of an eye we are heading to Kindergarten Round-Up with a glimmer of a tear in our eyes as we drive away. These tiny little humans, ready to take on the world (or at least elementary school) for the first time in their life! It’s mind-blowing how right before our eyes they go from completely dependent on us as moms (and dads) to semi-independent functioning resemblances of us! It’s downright SCARY! Now don’t get me wrong my little brown-haired, brown-eyed mini version of myself has been in preschool for three wonderful years so he has been away from me and I am not going to lie, I have ENJOYED it. A few hours each day in the morning to have some ME time. However, just yesterday as we completed what will probably be our last “random” zoo day it hit me that the days of carefree bliss are now over. We no longer have the “free” calendar to go to a 10am movie, hit up the children’s museum or zoo on Thursday just because. WOW! I instantly became an emotional mess. The emotions: happy, sad, anxious, nervous, sad, excited, scared, did I mention sad? Yet, I know that my sweet little boy is ready! He was so excited to go to Back to School 101 today. He was full of smiles and this, this is what will help my heart.
Now is the time that I lift up prayers. Prayers that all that we have instilled in him over the course of the five years, the love we have given, the boo boos we have kissed, the hugs just because you needed one at that minute and the teaching of manners, I pray that all of that stays with him. He will be in the hands of someone else each day at school and while I am very confident in the teachers he will have; as a momma it is hard to surrender that control of your child. So will I be a blubbering mess on Tuesday August 14, I would like to think NO. I know this little boy, who is not so little anymore, is so ready for this next adventure in life. He has reached yet another milestone in his development. I am so excited for this next chapter! To see how he grows and changes over the course of this year, the friends he will make, the personality he will continue to develop and the things he will learn. Oh the things he will learn! I am also excited for this chapter for me. I am now a mother of a child in elementary school, this is a huge deal. We have survived the first five years of his life! While our calendars may be dictated by school days and events, it is another forward movement of our little people growing and turning into the caring, kind, independent, happy and adventurous we want them to be. So if you are in the same boat, join with me in celebrating this next milestone. Yes, it is still a sad one but just think of how much they are who they are because of you, YES, YOU momma!!! I can’t guarantee there won’t be tears on that first day, but I hope they are tears of joy! Celebrating this next milestone. Whether you have a kiddo going off to kindergarten, high school or college or hey, even their first job, celebrate this milestone. Know that you have done well! Look up and say a prayer if you need too, I know I will be saying lots that first day. Put it all in HIS hands. HE will be with them while we are not and for this I will rest a little easier.
While this “season” isn’t always easy for us, rest assured, we are in this together! I will be praying for a very successful first day of school for you and your children. May the tears be joyful and happy!
Until next time…may you find Joy in the Journey!
Under the Clutter 