Lizzy's Last Day

As always happens with the school year, you just begin..........and then you zoom through! You must be very diligent to be aware of the special moments that are happening each day, really enjoy all the little things, because truly (and it's a cliche by now), it's over before you know it. How can school be done? How can Lizzy be finished with preschool? I remember so clearly when we took her for her first day in the two's class. She was all dressed up in her darling apple dress. Peter was just a tiny baby in his car seat. He even dressed up too in his sweater vest and khakis! Lizzy went right in, explored the room, dove right in to the art project for the day, and seemed comfortable. I was nostalgic about her being such a "big girl," but I was never worried about her. That's the gift that Lizzy has given me pretty much since she was born- her independence, her confidence, her ability to feel comfortable with lots of people and in lots of different places have always allowed me to step back (a little) and watch her go. Sometimes it can be a little scary to watch her go. Will she ever stop? Doesn't she need me, just a little? But, it's also reassuring to know that she's okay, she's happy, she's so comfortable in her own skin, doing her own thing. On the last day of school, the kids made delicious home-made ice cream. We all gathered for a picnic after school, and the kids ate and played and the adults talked and wondered where the time had gone, and how these kids had gotten so big? Lots of people kept telling me how emotional they were, and how sad, and how they just wanted to cry. I thought about my own feelings. Sure, I feel wistful that time passes so quickly, and my little baby is now such a big girl. But I mostly feel happy. I'm so happy she's had such a wonderful school experience. I'm so happy that she has loved school, and has been somewhere truly magical, with teachers who have really loved her. I'm so happy that I've really been watching, and enjoying, and sharing in all the different parts of school. To be honest, I don't think I'm sad. I think I'm thankful, that this part of her life has been so fantastic, just how I could have hoped it would be, and that we've gotten to enjoy her so much. I'm excited for what will come next.....