And just like that, all the kids are back in school.
I know this may sound like a declaration coming a few weeks late for most of y’all, but our kids go to school in Tioga, and we start school later in August.
While some local schools have been back at work for the past three weeks, we have enjoyed a longer summer.
But not really.
Band camp started weeks ago, theatre camp, athletic practices.
The hard work begins early, and the most active students are back on campus well before the first day of class.
Nonetheless, we sent all four kids back to school Monday for the last time.
We have three seniors this year, so it was a last first day for them.
This time next year will be the last first day for our youngest who is a junior.
The senior pomp and circumstance are well underway.
Senior Sunrise on Monday morning, followed by breakfast before class.
Jennifer shed a few tears at senior picture day last week— especially when she watched them sign for their diplomas.
We had four kids very close together.
A set of twins in the middle helped accelerate this.
We have an 18-year-old, twin 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old.
We have always done things in multiples.
Early on it was four kids in diapers all at once.
It was three different girls on different softball teams.
It has always been juggling different events, and this year is no different.
We used to get a volume discount at the doctor’s office.
Part of me wants to ask that senior photographer if I can get the same from him this year.
So, there’s a lot of excitement with this time of year and also a lot of emotions.
Mothers feel like they’re losing their babies, and I guess— in a lot of ways— they are.
Fathers struggle with these emotions too, but they internalize them differently.
Fathers see this as the end of a job well done, the transition to the next chapter— the natural progression of things.
At least that’s how this father sees it.
Nonetheless, it is striking when you realize that things will be very different this time next year.
But, as I’ve said before, the one constant in life is change.
We all want our children to grow up to be healthy, happy and successful.
If they’ve done this, we’ve done our jobs as parents.
But it doesn’t make it any easier.
So, for the time being, I will try to slow down and enjoy some of this— to relish the little things and look ahead to the future with great excitement and enthusiasm.
The contemporary trend of “Senior Sunday” posts on Facebook is fun.
Jennifer posted a picture on Sunday of our three now seniors— over a dozen years ago—off to their first day of pre-K.
Time flies, if we’re lucky.
So, all you senior parents out there, Jennifer and I are with you.
The kids have it under control and we can get through it together.
Best wishes for a safe and fun school year.
