Today is the last day of school. Each of my sons called me at work to let me know they had finished and respectively were now a senior and a freshman. That’s right, we now have two high schoolers in the house.
I should be more excited. Partially, I’m still a little fuzzy-headed from the cold medicine. But mostly, my excitement is overshadowed by something else. I suppose it’s my desire for time to slow down. I want this summer to go at a snail’s pace.
As parents, we always anticipate our children’s next milestones. We look forward to them, mark them, and celebrate them. Now I feel as if we’re entering into the last stage of my sons’ childhood. Mr. A is on the cusp of manhood and will leave for college in one year. G-Man is in the awkward transition stage not far behind his brother.
High school is a rite of passage for our children. In high school they grow, explore, and really come into their own as individuals. High school is where they learn and earn independence.
The boys are excited. A year of hard work is over and they did well on their exams. I’m so very proud of both of them.
But I’m not in any rush for the Fall semester to start. I want to hold onto this moment for a while longer. I want to hold onto my sons’ childhoods and preserve them. This parenthood thing goes by way too fast. I can clearly remember the 3rd day of kindergarten when Mr. A jumped out of the car and said, “No Mom, you don’t need to come. I can do it by myself.”
5 comments:
Congratulations to your boys on finishing the school year!
I can't remember if you've "met" Terry Castle: http://www.happilyeverafterbirth.com/. Something about your post today reminded me of her writing about her sons (one of whom is a rising senior as well). I think you would really connect with her writing and she with yours. At the very least you would know that you're not alone in having two boys in high school!
Man I'm glad it's the summer...always feel this way. Glad your boys are both safely out of middle school. What a dive that time in life is. When are all of us going to a game?
I can SOOO relate to this. It kind of hurts. doesn't it? I don't know any way to hold on to the moments other than to recognize and appreciate them--which is clearly what you're doing. That's all I've got.
Aw, this is precious. Both of my daughters were freshmen when the sibling above them was a senior. It provides for bittersweet moments all year, one starting out and the other getting ready to go.
The part about kindergarten got to me Erica. It does go by fast...
And Terry, the blogger Kristen suggested, is one of my faves!
It's so sad they have to grow up so fast. You should pat yourself on the back for raising good and smart kids. Hope this summer doesn't go by too fast for ya!
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