I don't know how it happened. I'm not sure when it happened. A change took place, scarcely acknowledged by me. It is clear, however, that this transformation did occur.
One day Lorelai was 5 years old. We were beginning her first year of Charlotte Mason homeschooling. Year 1 - Kindergarten.
Kindergarten year
How did this happen??
March is our one-month break. We'll travel. We'll hike. We'll enjoy spring. I'll plan another homeschool school year. You know - the usual things we do in March.
This time, however, I'll be planning for a middle school child. No, it's not the first time I've had a child reach this milestone. It shouldn't be a big deal, right? In most ways, it isn't. After all, four children have preceded her on this journey.
But she's my last. My fifth child. My baby. The last to do all the "firsts."
As we continue on this homeschool journey, I'll savor the scenery, knowing I won't see it again. While I've seen it all before, Lorelai will take this journey only once. For her, everything is a new experience. Every bump in the road, every detour, every beautiful path is a first. I'll see it all through her eyes.
These are her "firsts" in this journey.
All the while, my mama heart will know this is the final time I will travel these particular highways and byways. We will go on to new journeys and leave these well-worn roads behind us one day.
The homeschool trip will be over before I know it.
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Happy Homeschooling!
I know this is really silly, but my daughter is ten, so your post made me tear up as I realized how old she is. Why is it sad to see your child grow and achieve great things. It should be a time of rejoicing, yet despite the happiness and excitement, there is those brief moments of sadness.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, we should rejoice as our children achieve steps in their lives. I think we have a need to say 'goodbye'. We do this with most life transitions - graduations, weddings, an adult child getting their own place - and it's completely natural. It's the heart's way of closing one door and opening another.
ReplyDeleteI got all choked up as I read this. I need to savor every moment with my kids! They grow up so fast!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, they do. I had a baby just a handful of years ago. She's 28 now. Time flies.
DeleteAww. It's so bittersweet, isn't it? She's a beautiful girl.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is. Thank you, Shelly..
DeleteWhat a beautiful girl! I agree - I can't believe how quickly the years are passing by. We are getting ready to start high school - seems like we just started this homeschool journey.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at the Finishing Strong Link-up!
Thanks, Susan. I can hardly believe we're almost finished.
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