On Saturday George and I were invited to a party. We had planned to drop Breanna off at his parents’ house that evening; Hayley had already gone out with them for the afternoon. At about 2 that afternoon I decided I wanted to take some brownies to the party so I plopped Breanna into the stroller and we set off. It was really beautiful out, sunny and not cold at all. We wandered around the mall and I found several good Christmas gift ideas for the girls for us to consider getting.
On the way back home, I walked past the elementary school that Hayley will be attending next Fall. I could see through the windows and I saw all the little desks and chairs and tables, and all the artwork and the chalkboards. I realized how quickly Hayley has grown up and how – despite the fact that she laments that “it will be such a long time” until she turns five – she will be in school before I know it. And I unexpectedly started to cry. I was a little startled and also a little embarrassed, peeking around to make sure no one else was on the sidewalk who might see me.
I managed to get control of myself and I started walking towards home. I made myself feel better due by thinking about how I can join the parent committee, go to the parent-teacher nights, and be as involved as possible in her school life. The school is close by and by then Breanna will be old enough that maybe I could have her spend a few hours with George’s dad so that I can go and volunteer with stuff or something. I’m actually really excited about the idea of the parent committee; I don’t think I’d be comfortable being the chairperson like my dad was when I was in elementary school, but I definitely want to be a part of it. Thinking of those things helped me stop feeling sad.
I know it’s inevitable because we all grow up and we all have to let go of our kids when they start to grow up too, but it feels so sudden. She may be restless for Kindergarten to start, but frankly I’m glad there are still ten months before she goes.
Oh boy! Let me tell you, my daughter just started high school and it doesn’t get any easier. It seems like it was just a ripple of time since those first days of school.
It’ll be wonderful in a million different ways, watching the girls grow.
(PS: LOVELOVELOVE the haircut!!)
I was brave when my son started school. I didn’t cry until his high school graduation and the thought that he would be departing hundreds of miles to college. Well, that was the master plan. He actually attended the college about 10 miles away, worked locally, and was 30-35 years old before he moved out. I was no longer crying. lol But those emotions you felt? A lot of us have felt them. They can wipe you out in a split second.
But just think of the great times that lie ahead. That’s what I always tell myself when I see little Hailey growing like a weed.
I can truly identify with what you said! I felt exactly the same way when my 2 oldest started school. I dread next September when my youngest will start purely because it will be the ending of something that I have loved,and the beginning of something else. I also shed a few tears when I think of next Autumn. They grow up way too fast!
No one says you have to start her at age five. We didn’t start our boys until age six. We had many conversations and much hand wringing over it, but now, we don’t regret it one bit.
@ Wendy – We don’t want to wait until she’s six because she’s really ready to go now and she’d be bored if she waits another year.
I SOOOO hear you.
I start to feel that tingly sensation between my eyes whenever I think about the possibility that Tess will start K in the Fall (I say possibility because I’m still tossing around the idea of homeschooling.)
Who gave them permission to get this old this quickly?