School is starting back. It happens every year. Everyone is running around trying to prepare. Clothes and supplies are bought and backpacks are loaded up. Teachers are met. Schedules are handed out.
Seniors are painting their parking spaces. I don’t know when this became a thing, but they do it at our high school. It’s cute and fun and so very “last year of high school”.
Senior parents are already exhausted and they’re all wondering how time flew by so fast. How did they get here? Their babies are in their final year of school. It’s wild.
Then there are those of us who didn’t get there at all. Those whose children didn’t get to move on from grade-to-grade. My daughter will always be a kindergartener. Forever six. Never a new school year. We will never get to experience her senior year.
It’s bittersweet seeing all of your kids move on in life…her old classmates. Watching them grow and change so much through the years. But there is never a time we don’t think “what would Aub be like at this age?” Or “Would Aubrey be into that?”
I have to selfishly admit I’m glad this school era is ending. I won’t have to do the math, trying to figure out what grade my girl would be in this year. No more dances or sports or school-related things she’s not here for. I know the wondering and “what if” parts of my grief will never end. But I have to believe the next “post-school” stage will be different. Hopefully a tiny bit easier on my heart.
I am a parent of two boys—men—who are going through life, with families of their own. Grand babies!! A Mama of two 8-year-old girls who are not helping time slow down! And a mother who lost her oldest daughter far too early.
Believe me. I’ve been through it.
All I know to tell you is to enjoy all the stages in your lives. While I pray your kids will live long and full lives, I assure you it never slows down. They never stop growing up too fast. One minute they’re driving you crazy and eating all your food. The next, they’re married and having kids of their own.
It’s hard.
It’s beautiful.
It’s life.
One day, this will all be just a memory.
Make it a good one.
LOVE💜
