Only one more day of school and then I'll have a 2nd grader and a :::gulp::: 5th grader.
Ben's entire grade had a popsicle party this afternoon and while I stood around with the teachers and moms, we talked about the 6th grade graduation ceremony that happened earlier that day. The moms with 6th graders were, of course, talking about how time had flown by. They remembered the day they started at the school when it first opened and their kids were in 2nd grade at the time.
Our 4th graders will be the first class to attend every grade at the school. Ben's kindergarten class was the first kindergarten class and will be the first to graduate attending all 7 grades. We just stood in awe watching our guys run around with many of them fast approaching our height already. Again...searching for the pause button I can never seem to find when it comes to them.
As I was talking to his teacher and walking inside to leave, I yelled over to my sweet son and waved "bye". He excused himself from the four-square game he was in the middle of playing with his friends, ran over to me, held my hand, told me he loved me, gave me a kiss and a hug then walked me to the door. I just about melted. His teacher too. I really do have the best son in the entire world. He never gets embarrassed to hug me when he sees me and yell, "Love you Mom!" in front of everyone. I pray that never changes.
Next I went to Belle's class where her teacher had prepared a special DVD slide show featuring highlights from the year, complete with music. Upon entering the room and seeing tissue boxes on each table, we all knew what we were in store for. Sweet Carson's mom was there too and as usual, she was incredibly strong. Carson is still dearly missed by his friends in this close class every single day. His desk still sits in the same place. Oftentimes you will find little notes on it from his friends. He's still with them in so many ways.
As we all watched the slide show, I took a minute to look around the room and noticed every single parent at least had their hand on their child...if they weren't wrapped in their arms (as Belle was in mine). The students got teary as they saw photos of their sweet friend, but would then break into laughter as they watched some of the fun things they all did together this year. I held onto Belle a little tighter knowing I was blessed enough to be able to take her home with me every day. I don't take that for granted anymore.
I relish every day with both of them and my heart aches for the parents who no longer get to do such 'simple' and 'ordinary' things. Ordinary has new meaning for me. Kissing them goodnight every night. Waking them every day. It's all completely and wonderfully miraculous in it's own way.
I know (really, I do) I say this all the time, but it's days like today I grow even more appreciative of what I DO have and am equally thankful for what I DON'T have.
I'm not sure why I was put on this earth. I know it wasn't so I could bounce around aimlessly or complete various tasks that will say nothing about me when I'm gone. I'm fairly certain it has something to do with the two amazing gifts I was entrusted with so generously. And that isn't lost on me.
By the way...Totally off the subject, but I don't think I've introduced you to my future son-in-law...
Ben's entire grade had a popsicle party this afternoon and while I stood around with the teachers and moms, we talked about the 6th grade graduation ceremony that happened earlier that day. The moms with 6th graders were, of course, talking about how time had flown by. They remembered the day they started at the school when it first opened and their kids were in 2nd grade at the time.
Our 4th graders will be the first class to attend every grade at the school. Ben's kindergarten class was the first kindergarten class and will be the first to graduate attending all 7 grades. We just stood in awe watching our guys run around with many of them fast approaching our height already. Again...searching for the pause button I can never seem to find when it comes to them.
As I was talking to his teacher and walking inside to leave, I yelled over to my sweet son and waved "bye". He excused himself from the four-square game he was in the middle of playing with his friends, ran over to me, held my hand, told me he loved me, gave me a kiss and a hug then walked me to the door. I just about melted. His teacher too. I really do have the best son in the entire world. He never gets embarrassed to hug me when he sees me and yell, "Love you Mom!" in front of everyone. I pray that never changes.
Next I went to Belle's class where her teacher had prepared a special DVD slide show featuring highlights from the year, complete with music. Upon entering the room and seeing tissue boxes on each table, we all knew what we were in store for. Sweet Carson's mom was there too and as usual, she was incredibly strong. Carson is still dearly missed by his friends in this close class every single day. His desk still sits in the same place. Oftentimes you will find little notes on it from his friends. He's still with them in so many ways.
As we all watched the slide show, I took a minute to look around the room and noticed every single parent at least had their hand on their child...if they weren't wrapped in their arms (as Belle was in mine). The students got teary as they saw photos of their sweet friend, but would then break into laughter as they watched some of the fun things they all did together this year. I held onto Belle a little tighter knowing I was blessed enough to be able to take her home with me every day. I don't take that for granted anymore.
I relish every day with both of them and my heart aches for the parents who no longer get to do such 'simple' and 'ordinary' things. Ordinary has new meaning for me. Kissing them goodnight every night. Waking them every day. It's all completely and wonderfully miraculous in it's own way.
I know (really, I do) I say this all the time, but it's days like today I grow even more appreciative of what I DO have and am equally thankful for what I DON'T have.
I'm not sure why I was put on this earth. I know it wasn't so I could bounce around aimlessly or complete various tasks that will say nothing about me when I'm gone. I'm fairly certain it has something to do with the two amazing gifts I was entrusted with so generously. And that isn't lost on me.
By the way...Totally off the subject, but I don't think I've introduced you to my future son-in-law...
Hahahaha! Actually they are really good friends and I could take him home with me in an instant. He's such a sweetie and always has Shelby's back. Always. As she has his. Gotta love that.
Always remember and never forget: There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings. ~Hodding Carter, Jr.
Always remember and never forget: There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings. ~Hodding Carter, Jr.
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