The phrase 'back-to-school' is not making me think of pleated skirts, new pencils and fresh gum erasers. Nor is my business mind prompted to create a promotion to help little girls look as chic as they can, as they embark on their new school year adventure--hand clenched tight to their parent's for as long as they can.
Tonight, back-to-school is much more personal, and bittersweet.
Back-to-school in our house means my daughter will be starting the 4th grade tomorrow. Fast asleep now, but earlier, so excited (
or was it nervous?) about all that would happen tomorrow. Outfit layed out; folders & binders on the table; new lunchbox awaiting her favorite tamale lunch. "Will you wake me up at 6?" she asked. Really? I guess she is excited.
I can't believe how the summer break has come and gone. Full of lovely memories, really lovely. But behind us, none the less. Never have I been so aware of the passing of time as I have since she was born. And as I think back on our summer, I'm struck by how she will never be nine again. Even as I know that next summer, I too will be a year older, there is something about the distinct difference in who she has become--each summer--that takes my breath away. This summer, she wanted to learn to surf, so surf we did and you should see her now.
As we leave this summer behind, I find myself taking pause to imagine who she will be next summer. I look forward to where this year will take us; but I'll try to stay present and enjoy all the time in between now and then. Next summer, after all, will be here soon enough!
Happy Back-to-School to all our tiny chic friends.
s
