Her Suburban Life: Last Day of Preschool

My youngest child finished her last day of preschool today. Many mothers have walked this road before me with many different emotions. Some are so ready. Others are unapologetic. Others are nostalgic. Some are so proud of their little ones. Some are sad. Some are excited. Some are so busy just trying to get through the day that they barely notice.

I fall into the sad camp. Of course I have other emotions, but , honestly, I am sad. I can't believe it has gone so fast. How can you live a life where some days are so long that you think they will never be over and yet claim it has gone by so fast? I unapologetically raise my hand to this. Thats just life with little ones.

I am sad that the years with little ones are over. I am sad she will be going to school every day next year. I am sad for the things left undone. I am sad for what I could have done better. I was not always the mother I wanted to be, or expected myself to be. I am sad I will not be called upon to make play dough for the class room. I am sad to not get book order sheets because I didn't always get those filled out like I wanted to. I am sad not to know who the "very important kid" of the day is each day - one of her highlights this year.

I am grateful that she will still be going half days next year and we will still eat lunch together every day. I am grateful that she has had such extraordinary teachers the last two years. I am grateful that she is healthy. I am grateful that she will be at the same school as my other kids next year. I am grateful that she is excited for her new adventure, and comfortable with where she will be. I am grateful for the teachers she will have next year. I am grateful for the summer ahead of us. I am grateful for my husband and all of my children.

I am grateful for being able to watch her walk the stepping stones in the children's garden at her preschool this year. She did it most every day before and after school.

And I am grateful that I got to watch her walk her last steps in that garden today.

First Day of School 2007 - 2 years old,