Well, it’s that time of year. Time to get the lunch boxes out, pack the new school supplies, shop for new clothes. Time to go back to school.
Crayons and back-to-school supplies – an annual mecca to the stores!
Sigh.
Most of my mommy friends are excited and glad that time is here. I’m not. I love having my kids at home with me. Well, we haven’t exactly been home all summer! We’ve gone on scavenger hunts, hikes, adventures of all kinds. Some educational (Audubon Center treks), some just fun (Sherwood Robin Hood Festival), some awe-inspiring (Cascades Raptor Center), some new, some favorites – what they all had in common was that we were together. As I see the world through my kids’ eyes, it keeps me young. I may be chronologically too old to go down slides, but since I don’t know who decided that and I can still physically do it, I’ll slide if I want to, thank you very much.
I hope that’s something I’ve been able to teach them; growing up is mandatory, growing old is optional. As they go into a new school year, into grades where more stuff is “for babies” according to some kids, I hope they have the courage to hold on to their youth, do things they enjoy whether or not it’s the “in” thing. I guess that’s another reason I hate to see them go back. While they’re with me, they can be completely themselves. They’re safe., mentally and physically. I guess as long as they know this home, this sanctuary, is always here, they can handle the new school year. And I can too.
But I’ve already started the countdown to next summer! 🙂
