For those who know me, know I lamented about my daughter starting school this year. It was a long and sad and exciting journey that started last year. When I registered Lil Miss for school, they gave us a button that said "Class of 2021." I blubbered for a good hour over that one. I saw Lil Miss in her cap and gown, then packing her car, then heading off for college. I knew from that point on, she was moving on without me.
August 11, 2008 came quickly. Almost too quickly. We took Lil Miss to school. We took loads of pictures, of course. And then it was time to leave her. Where I left her, the teacher and her friends took off. I could only hope she would hold on to a little of what we taught her about manners and kindness and the way to speak to grown ups.
What happened over the course of the year surprised me. At times it was very difficult. She learned so much. She learned things other than her sight words, math, writing, etc. I learned things too. The most shocking thing I learned was how cruel even kindergartners can be and how even a five year old can succumb to peer pressure. I also learned what the heck sight words are!
This year has not only tested my daughter. It has tested me. Lil Miss becomes more independent every day. She is very emotional. She cries a lot when her feelings are hurt. I have no clue how to handle that because a lot of times it seems ridiculous and I wish I could toughen her up a bit. She thinks I'm an idiot a lot more than she used to (I still have my son who thinks I rock). Her teacher became her hero over me. All these things made it difficult for me. She seems to have adjusted fine.
It wasn't all bad, though. Independence is good. She learned a lot more than I could teach her. Her teacher was awesome. She made a lot of good friends and so did I!
So kindergarten ended last week and I found myself feeling sad again. I am now dealing with a First Grader! This knowledge made me blubber for about a day. I feel as though I haven't gotten over her starting school yet and now we're on our first summer break (Lord, help me!) and she's starting first grade in two months.
It's cliche to say this, but time does fly. They do grow so fast! I can see her....cap and gown.....heading off to college. Class of 2021.
Awww.
ReplyDeleteI recently attended my friend's daughter's 7th birthday party. She got an iPod nano and said "Oh my god!" (like she was an adult) when she saw me. It was weird, because I remember her so clearly as a baby. It made me feel kind of old. And kind of sad, too.