Celebrating...and Mourning...the First Day of School

Written by Jen Friday, 16 September 2011 12:02

Blog

Are you a "happy days are here again" kinda mom on the first day of school, or do you wave cheerily as the school bus drives off and then sniffle your way through the morning? I have to admit, I've been both.

As a stay-at-home/work-mostly-from-home mom for many years, I've celebrated the first day of school as the opportunity to finally tackle my business obligations with uninterrupted efficiency and welcome quiet. But at the same time, I gotta admit, I miss ‘em. I miss the knowledge that I can take a break and catch a hug and a smile-and share a sandwich-with my daughter. I miss the thud of my son's boots on the floor as he comes home from his summer job, and the always entertaining daily updates from my frenzied college-age son. He is back to campus again. The fridge door isn't banging shut constantly, and 2:00 a.m. is mighty quiet here.

When they were small, I'd either sob or breathe a sigh of relief when the bus disappeared around the corner. Milestone years--first grade, eighth-grade, freshman year, senior year--prompt all sorts of nostalgic thoughts. Remember when...?

This is one of those years. Last night my husband and I attended our last meet-the-teacher night at our son's school. After six years and two kids roaming those halls, we finally know our own way around. It'll be sad to say goodbye in June. The flip side was our first meet-the-teacher night at our daughter's school a few weeks ago. Everything about us screamed NEWBIE ! We couldn't even find the restrooms. It all comes full circle.

This year, when people ask excitedly if "they're all finally back to school," I'll say yes with a smile and then wince a little. I'm happy and sad. Change is generally a little of both, and that's ok.