Back to School Dayzz

It was back to school for all the kiddos this past week. Both of my grandchildren will be attending new schools. And my, how they have grown up so fast before my eyes. One will be starting high school as a “fish”, while the other one will start middle school. Both will experience new journeys with opportunities to see old friends and make new ones. 

When my mom went to high school, she made those days sound like a 1950’s Frankie Avalon movie. Full of fun and camaraderie with friends.  The nostalgia in her eyes when she described school dances and football games; even studying with friends was almost like a musical. One unpleasant event she told me about was when a male student wouldn’t leave her alone, so some members of the school band walked her home after a football game.  As she like to say, “The band walked me home.” Other than that, she never said anything bad about school. She loved reading and education.  And she cherished the sisterhood she had with high school friends up to the day she passed.

I remember when my boys were of school age I always took the first day of school off, just to make sure they got there safely and on time; when in reality, it was more for me.  Watching them walk that milestone into another school year.  How they would grow taller and more confident. Told by photos taken each year to tell their story. There were definitely tough days as these boys were just entering teenagedom. (I know that’s not a word. I still graduated tho!)  I remember how my oldest had his counselor call to tell me that he had flunked and wouldn’t be graduating that year.  I felt my heart sink into my stomach…only to have him get on the phone and tell me…”Mom, I’m just kidding! I finished high school early!!” He was so lucky I was at work. Both of my sons have been blessed with making lifelong friends from school who to this day still come by and visit. 

 What I thought were gone; the days of buying school clothes and supplies, book fairs and Christmas programs that were now memories. That is…until the grandkids. They still bring the excitement of going back to school. The journey they face on their walk into the future will hold class bells, homework, football games & pep rallies, prom dates and finally graduation. What I hope they gain will be confidence in themselves, lifelong friendships and the enduring spirit of learning.

May they be brave enough to ask questions, kind enough to help others, find joy in any discovery or creation and wise enough to cherish their journey.

Peace & Blessings

Julie