Eleven short weeks ago this mother of three school-aged children was ecstatic over trading hectic schedules for the less rigorous days of summer. But today, dear friends, I sit equally as delighted that in just over twenty four hours the 2010-2011 school year will begin. I’m fickle that way. My sanity stays precariously balanced on a time-spent-with-offspring continuum. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy sharing days with the ones I love, but we’ve reached the saturation point. In short, we’re getting on each other’s nerves.
With three sets of everything to keep up with over and above myself, each new year presents challenges. But the bright side is watching my babies — two of which tower over me and have facial hair, the other will be looking me in the eye in no time — grow and mature through new experiences. (I just realized as I typed that last sentence: They are progressing, and I seem to be regressing. Oh my. That will have to be a discussion for another day, but thank you for bringing about that realization.)
This year will be full of firsts and lasts. I suppose in many ways each year is, but for this year our milestones are big. I’m bound to shed a tear, or maybe two million. The good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise: My oldest will graduate from high school. (That boy knows I love him to the ends of the earth, but he and I have rarely seen eye-to-eye on educational matters. I’m certain our relationship will improve a thousand-fold when he dons his cap and gown.) The middle child will spend his last year in junior high while the baby girl is just getting started there. (If you see Jeremy around town, ask him how excited he is to be attending school once again on the same campus as his little sister. He can barely contain his emotions.)
Me, I’m just ready for them to get out of my house. Goodness, that sounds harsh, doesn’t it? Of course I don’t mean forever, just during the day so I can get back to my routine. It’s sort of sad how accustomed to being alone I have gotten. I found myself getting annoyed having to prepare my lunch with others in the kitchen. Beside the fact that I was lunching while they were foraging for breakfast, I’m used to having all the counter and moving around space I want. It wasn’t such an issue when they were small, but now, they take up some real estate and we sort of get in each other’s way. Oh, and they’re teen-aged moody. Not good when standing near me and sharp implements. I get ideas beyond slicing tomato.
Don’t worry, though, it’s said absence makes the heart grow fonder, so I’ll be back to adoring their cherubic faces as soon as their not in mine all day.
Hope everyone has a great start to the new school year!
© 2010 Natalie Whatley