Today’s the last day of school for my kids. As they bust down the double doors with glee, I’m feeling wistful that another school year is done.
This morning I shuttled between schools bearing teacher gifts and receiving report cards, feeling sad and anxious. I always get this way in June. Change is difficult and moving on means leaving people and places behind.
Two years ago I wrote a column about it for maplewoodpatch.com and although my kids are older now, the sentiment remains the same. You can read it here.
The good news is although he’s headed for 4th grade next year, Aden still holds my hand once in a while and we read together most nights. Eli finished kindergarten today and is not looking back. I’m trying not to focus on the fact that I’ll never have a child in kindergarten again, and instead take pride in all they’ve accomplished.
Maybe today when the last one gets home and dumps his filthy knapsack on my kitchen floor, I won’t think about them growing up too fast. Instead I’ll focus on not having to get up early and pack lunch tomorrow, or the next day after that. I’ll smile about not having to prod them to do homework or go to sleep early. I’ll revel in the next few days when we have no plans and can just hang around.
When you look at the old column, notice the final, touching comment at the end from a mother who’s seen her share of last days. It reminded me that the age of your kids doesn’t matter as long as you still feel close to them. And hopefully, they’ll continue to make you proud.
carpool candy 
It’s all so true. The end of the school year is so bitter-sweet. Another great column!
Lovely column. All you can do is keep looking forward and keep the feelings of pride and closeness in your heart. And if you are as lucky as I am, those feelings will endure long after the last days of school. Martha Tuite
lOVELY COLUMN. All you can do is keep looking forward and keep that feeling of pride and closeness in your heart. If you are as lucky as I have been, those feelings will endure long after the last days of school. Martha Tuite
Thanks Erica! It’s nice to hear from the other side of motherhood. xo
Brooke, you hit the nail on the head…..the age doesn’t matter as long as they continue to make you proud. As a mother of a 19 yr old son, with nephews that are 21 and 19, I have had my share of sad milestones. But, be glad of the time you had this year and look forward with open arms at the years to come. To be quite honest, they get easier and you become much less of a lunchmaker and rule enforcer and more of a friend. That is a great thing to anticipate…..you don’t need to discipline but you get to share in life moments as their friend. Enjoy it all and I hope you have a wonderful summer with your boys. And, when you get tired of driving them around all summer, think…….some day they will drive themselves and you’ll have more time for other things that all moms put on the back burner for their kids. xo