The first days of school overlap with the last days of summer. Â It’s a little confusing for the boys, I think. Â We tell our children that school starts in the “the fall”, because back when we were in elementary school it really did. Â But clearly, autumn is not yet upon us. Â The days are still too long to get the kids to bed before nine and too hot to wear those new jeans Leif got when we went back to school shopping. Â It still feels like we should be playing in the pool in the afternoons and there’s still local peaches at the farmer’s market.
Regardless of what season it is, back-to-school means the return of routines and responsibilities. Â We all crave this, I believe. Â Summer is a wonderfully long siesta for us all (especially the boys and I), but our bodies and minds crave the challenges, fun and important transitions that embarking upon a new school year offer. Like being a first grader, FOR REAL. Â And, for Kai, starting pre-school. Â Â For me, I get a morning to myself every so often this year. Â How about that?
Along with all of the excitement and fun of this annual transition back to school, come the challenges of growth and change. Â At our house this looks like equal parts sweet moments and ferocious ones. Â For every warm hug it seems there has been an angry word spoken, a toy thrown, tears shed, time outs given, and doors slammed. Â We are all entering into a new phase, I guess…because isn’t that how it goes? Â Every time my children grow I am presented with the opportunity to grow, as well. Â I accept this challenge joyfully, but not always gracefully.
What I must remember though, is that the sweetness of it all will prevail. And when I look at these pictures of the boys, I am filled with the knowing that we will get through this transition and not only settle into our new roles and responsibilities but blossom with the new tools and skills we learn.
Leif on his first day of first grade.
Kai, ready to go on his first day of preschool.
When we dropped Kai off for his first day of preschool today, he was a bit nervous. Â We left him with a hug and a kiss (and tears in my eyes). Â His teacher handed us this poem as we walked out the door.
Offspring
This way the twig is bent.
Born of my trunk and
strengthened by my roots,
You must stretch
newgrown branches
Closer to the sun
than I can reach.
I wanted to say:
      Extend myself toÂ
that far atmosphere only
my dreams allow.
Yesterday I saw her as if
for the first time:
Feet confident,
Face slanted upward toward
a threatening sky,
And
she was smiling
And she wasÂ
Her very free,
Her very individual,
Unpliable
Own
-Naomi Long Madgett
I strive to be filled with greater compassion for myself and my children during these times of transition. Â This poem reminds me, transitions are important opportunities to acknowledge (again and again) the “very free, individual, and unpliable, own selves” that makes us all the unique selves that we are. Â And then to love as much as possible…just as we are.
Happy first days everyone!
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