The last day of summer

Wow, where has the summer went? Talk about crazy busy, that is an understatement!! And it is now all but over.

I have a love hate relationship with summer since working for a school district. I thrive, no I NEED routine and schedule. I need to get up at the same time every day. I need to have reason and purpose to my day. A to-do list is must! I need to accomplish things. It's just who I am, I have no other explanation for it. Weird I know! So having summer off I struggle with not having to be at work every day. I need a reason!

And as much as I get tired and frustrated of things at my work and the politics and the people at times there are those people out there who would give anything to be going back to school/work tomorrow. They can no longer do this for whatever reason be it health, retirement, financial or another job. They are missing the chaos and confusion of these first days of school. The smells of the freshly waxed floors and clean classrooms and hallways-everything looks shiny and new. The new school supplies, clothes and shoes are always fun and exciting. It is exciting, but bittersweet time of year.

I dealt with a variety of emotions as a parent when this time of year rolled around. My first born was rather timid and shy when it came to school but he was a trooper and was off to unpack his backpack and play with his friends on his first day of kindergarten. Yes I wore sun glasses and the tears were falling as I left the building, I could not help it!!

Number two child was closing the back door and heading towards the school building as I put the car in park and yelling "bye mom" on her first day of kindergarten. No I did not let her take herself in on her first day....she was escorted just like her brother had been, even though she thought she could go trucking in on her own. Yes the sunglasses once again covered the tears as I left the building while she too was off to play with her friends on the playground.

Child number three was much like his older brother. Ready but not slamming the car door and heading to the building as I parked the car! He was ready to roll and yes the sunglasses were a blessing to hide behind for a third time. It was my last first day of kindergarten, no more kids at home. The end of a chapter.

As a parent for the first five or six years you are the main adult in your child's life. You are "the person". But sending your child off to school now puts their teacher as another main adult in their life. It's not just you as their parent, it is now their teachers, then coaches....then they graduate and are on to the next chapter of their life.

This year brings new chapters once again. Not only is a new school year but is is a first school year for my son as a teacher. I'm excited for him and I know he is doing what he wants to be doing. His students are lucky to have him as their teacher. Believe in yourself!! You are and will be great.

My daughter is no long Miss but now Mrs as she starts her second year in education. Her job is challenging daily, if not hourly.

My oldest son is about to become a home owner with his soon to be wife, another milestone and new chapter. I don't recall so many changes in such a short time before! But is is exciting!!

So as the summer of 2016 comes to a close I can't help but look back on all the fun and excitement. A month ago tomorrow we celebrated our first wedding-it was fun! And now we have two more heading our way! The moving of kids. The trip to Colorado. The baseball games. The nights or meals in the gazebos. The fun times!

And tomorrow is a new day, new chapter and a new beginning....just like each day is. Make it a good one because we only get one chance at each day.