Today marks a different start to the school year for our family. It’s the first time at our house that I’m sending one child off to school instead of two. Because, today, my daughter begins her sophomore year of high school without her big brother by her side.
Instead, her brother is starting his first day as a Freshman at college.
It’s a bittersweet day for all of us.
I always have mixed emotions about the start of a new school year. I’m usually sad to see summer go but excited for a fresh start. But, this school year is even more emotional for me because my children aren’t together.
I Guess This is Our New Normal
What a surprise it was to receive the school bus schedule with only one name on it instead of two. Not to mention seeing my daughter’s class schedule posted online but my son’s information completely gone! But, what struck me most of all was walking by my son’s bedroom this morning – on the first day of school – only to find it empty with the bed neatly made.
I know I’m not the only one feeling this difference. My daughter is feeling it too.
She misses her big brother. It seems like only yesterday (instead of a year ago) that he was a senior and they drove to school together. It was a rite of passage for him – no more school bus – hooray! And, a boost for her – a Freshman driving to school with her big brother. He was not only her chauffeur, but also her mentor. Whether it was helping her pick her classes or showing her around school on the first day, he was there to guide her.
Oh, how I wish I could turn back the clock to those early years of dressing them for school and blowing them kisses as we said our goodbye’s. But I know that can’t happen. Instead, we’re in a new phase of life now. And it will take time for us to adjust to it.
My Hopes for This New School Year
God has given me an opportunity to see the good in this new, yet different, start to the school year. My kids are healthy, happy, and they’re growing up. And, for that I’m grateful.
Therefore, I’m putting the tissues aside and taking care to savor every minute of this school year with my daughter while she’s still here with me. This school year, I will…
- take a little more time to stop and enjoy the special moments –such as picture day at school, her dressing up for spirit week, the Homecoming dance, and watching her play sports.
- really listen and be present when she walks through that door and tells me the details of her day
- look at the routines of the day (such as making sure she’s up and ready for school, packing her lunch, and shuffling her to her after school activities) as a blessing and not as a chore
Because in just three more years, the start of that school year will be really different. She will be celebrating her first day away at college too.
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