His and my last first day of school. My last call down the stairs to use my most enthusiastic "first day of school" cheerleader voice. Characterized by bleary-eyed grumpiness, an unfinished summer math assignment, and a firm if not a bit testy "I've got it under control. It's not due till 8th hour." Why hurry, I thought. A quick, "Let's go." Why so early? It was 30 minutes before we usually leave. "It's the first day of school," he told me. We rode the 5 minutes to school in silence. He's not a morning person. He exited the car and I reminded him that the math had better be done. He gave me that look and then my high school senior son said, "You'll be here to pick me up, right?" I've been there for the last 12 years of first days of school. I said, "I'll be here."
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Last Goodbye
His and my last first day of school. My last call down the stairs to use my most enthusiastic "first day of school" cheerleader voice. Characterized by bleary-eyed grumpiness, an unfinished summer math assignment, and a firm if not a bit testy "I've got it under control. It's not due till 8th hour." Why hurry, I thought. A quick, "Let's go." Why so early? It was 30 minutes before we usually leave. "It's the first day of school," he told me. We rode the 5 minutes to school in silence. He's not a morning person. He exited the car and I reminded him that the math had better be done. He gave me that look and then my high school senior son said, "You'll be here to pick me up, right?" I've been there for the last 12 years of first days of school. I said, "I'll be here."
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18 comments:
almost makes me cry...my boys are grown now, but i, too, was with them every step of the way...life goes so fast...but you know what? they remember mom was there...=)
Oh how sad - but how great that you have such a good relationship with your sons. I can only hope to have the same relationship with my kids the older you get. Thanks so much for the fabric for Jessie - she is thrilled - and she is sending you something in return!!
Kris
This is so bittersweet, and I completely identify!
I like that he looks as if he is smooth shaven....how cute is that?
Almost all grown up but needs mum to be there at the end of the last first day.
Beautifully written Jacquie. Have you thought of adding these type of photos and what you have written to some of the writing groups on flickr? They are very encouraging I have found.
Love Kathleen
xxx
Awwwww.
I have no children, but I can imagine what you must be feeling.
Blessings to you both on this monumental day :)
My boys are grown too, but I do well remember many different good byes. And, yes, you have always been there, and you know what? You will always be there.
Blessings to you.
Did the math get finished? I have a last minute boy of my own. Although I love the start of school I also hate it. Beginnings and endings all at once. Have a great school year.
*hugs*
That senior year passes so very fast... hold on to him tight!
~Regi
Yes, I'm with you on that. My oldest graduated last year and I have one in the 10th and one in the 7th. I'm already getting clingy because I know my job is almost done. Makes me sad,too. Amie
Touching! What else can be said? Many of us in this phase of life can relate. Perhaps the most difficult day of my life was my baby's first day of junior college, when he drove off to class and a new apartment that would be his weekdays home. Do you think it's even a little more poignant with boys since they aren't supposed to be vulnerable?
between you and Diana and sonshine on my shoulders I can't get a break.
Awwww. You had a last and I had a first. My oldest started 8th grade and the middle child started kindergarten. They grow up too fast.
Looking at your son's picture, he very much reminds me of my son who entered high school this year. As I drove him to school for his first day yesterday I felt almost tearful. I told him I was a little sad that it was his first day of high school. He sighed and said "yah, me too." His reason was he had to get out of bed though.
Inside that grown up boy is the little baby you bought home from hospital and the toddler who's knees you bandages .... don't you love them to bits.
what a lovely post. I'm with purple and paisley - it made my eyes water up. I have just one dear girl (year 5) and just this week we started at a new school - it's all racing along so quickly and when times are difficult for the, it's so heartbreaking. But how lovely that he wanted that reassurance you would be there to pick him up! Gosh, the last first day. I wish you well for all the lasts you will be experiencing this year.
What a milestone, and that he reconized it for what it was, the last of the firsts! How awesome! Just this past weekend I zipped my baby's dress up for the last time, her wedding dress. God Bless
touching little story
its so sweet that he still "lets" you pick him up and drop him off
my daughter is 15, and i am already getting sad...:o(
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