It is so hard to believe that the school year has begun yet again. Our last few weeks of summer have been full of walking through the middle school schedule, open houses, gathering supplies, finding shoes to wear that are not flip flops, and filling out forms… all in preparation for today. It has been busy, but has helped us all begin the process of getting back to school.
Jamahl entered 6th grade today which in our district is middle school. Do you remember starting middle school? I sure do! I remember being a nervous wreck worrying about everything (surprising, I know). Lockers, changing classes, different teachers, new kids…you know what I mean. Jamahl on the other hand was nothing but excited about today. He has been ready for this challenge for awhile so it has been so much fun watching his anticipation as it drew closer and closer. When I picked him up this afternoon, he jumped in the car and with a smile on his face, said, “I have so many things to tell you!” He proceeded to share so many positive things about his day. It made me happy to see him happy! From meeting new people, to a teacher who loves the New England Patriots, his day was great. As a parent…who could ask for more? I was never more grateful to be able to pick him up and catch that initial excitement. It was awesome!
The girls started third grade today and they too had a great day. I have been in contact with the teacher since last year so I didn’t have near the concerns that I have had in the past. Keyan’s one-on-one nurse has been with her since first grade so that takes a lot of the worry out of the picture as well. We are so thankful for a nurse who not only takes great care of Keyan but also looks out for all four of the girls. We are really lucky to have her. I stayed in the classroom for the first hour or so and fought back tears as the teacher talked to them not wanting them to worry about anything! She seems to be so caring and the girls have already commented that she is always smiling. I checked in with the girls a couple more times throughout the day while I was volunteering in the lunch room and every time I looked in they were smiling and engaged. Once again, that made me smile!
I know it sounds like such a cliche , but it never ceases to amaze me how time speeds by. The conversations that we can have now with our kids and the ability to share so much of their life is such a joy. It is not an unknown fact that I really do not like sending my kids to school. I miss them, I do not like the busy schedule, I have a hard time with other people not treating them right, and I do not like the demands that school takes from our family life. For today however, I am grateful to live in a country where school is provided, where my girls can go to school right along side the boys, where I am welcome to come and help out, where they are challenged to be better people, and for a few minutes in the day to go grocery shopping without five kids!!! Here is to a great school year filled with new adventures.
1 comment:
Stephanie it's so great that all your kids had a great first day! I agree we are lucky that our kids are entitled to a free education. It may not be perfect, but I don't think with our medically intensive kids it would be easy to do a good job home schooling. Grocery shopping without the kids? That's the best! Take some time to yourself to recharge, while you can.
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