Oh the days of back to school. The memories, stress and expense. Time flying by as I watched our ‘4 J’s’ – Joshua, Justice, Jeremy and Jadessa growing into the amazing people they have become. Now all married, in their own family lives, careers and memory weaving experiences.
As a mother, there is a melancholy now as I view each adult child, seeing them at times in my memory in a kaleidoscope of flashbacks, sending me off to our family cabinet that holds our memories, photos, albums full of baby photos, kids growing, fishing, playing and standing alongside their dad’s muscle cars. Then come the wedding photos, grandbabies, now some in pre-teens or teens, one in her 20’s thinking of their own future life goals.
When you are in the swirl of those busy years there isn’t always the time to reflect, always thinking back then about the need to take more photos but too busy and missing that moment often.
In the midst of the school years sometimes things seemed to blur, speeding by so fast in the blink of an eye. Sweaty basketball uniforms to wash, game white dress shirts to iron, runners to wipe, a special dress to buy for something "so important Mom". Hard working, compassionate, hilarious and sometimes overly emotional times together all threaded into our life blanket. Now just memories.
I often said my kids started out eating out of bowls and ended up eating out of buckets back then, growing fast, burning calories like crazy with so much to do; dating, games, after school jobs, tears, laughter and adventures.
So here comes another school year now through the eyes of our grandkids, who are a mix of eager, excited, some wishing summer wouldn’t end, full of anticipation, a little dread and a lot of hope. New things to learn, wings to spread and astonishing discoveries to be made as they explore the world through education, learning and stretching their minds.
Flipping through the pages of life, there’s no going back. Advice? Take the time, take more photos, listen intently, hug often and encourage as much as possible.
Your kids are always your kids, no matter how old you all grow to be together, arms open wide and they have a place to fly back into. The old saying, ‘there is no time like the present’ comes to mind. Now I am looking back trying my best not to say the woulda, shoulda, coulda but I’m afraid that is inevitable as I review often while I age.
I wish I had a school list to shop for, school backpacks and shoes, creative lunches to make with my daily notes added in. How I envy that now although back then at times it seemed like a struggle some days.
I hope you cherish these moments, however rushed they may be and tuck those beautiful smiling images of first days, mid years and final graduations into your heart’s treasure chest to remember as I am now.
Happy back to school everyone! Enjoy the ride and reach for the stars. You are in charge of your dreams and making them a reality. The sky is the limit!
