Thank You To Those With The Golden Hearts
Dear Alexis,
You have spent the past five years furiously scripting the pages of the book that is your life. You're always in a hurry, always trying to sneak a peek at how your story will end, but tonight you pause. Tonight you are turning the page between two very distinct chapters of your life. You don't understand it. You don't know what you're about to leave behind, but it has undoubtedly left an impression on your story.
Today was your last day at the daycare center that you have called your home away from home for five years. Your entire life. You've never known any other place. While you've moved from the nursery to the toddler room and later to the preschool, it's always been within the same building and with a familiar cast of characters around to support you.
Things haven't always been perfect at your school. There have been teachers I didn't like. There has been drama with the owner. The have been days that you didn't want to be there. But, one thing always rung true--you were loved there. You have an amazing way of just knowing who has a heart of gold, and you wiggle your way into those hearts and make yourself at home. You seem to know who is most worthy of your adoration, and those people have no choice to adore you right back. And they have.
There were tears today as we walked out of the center hand-in-hand. Not yours, though. You are SO very excited to start your next chapter. You're convinced that summer camp is going to be The Best Thing Ever. Knowing you, you will make sure it is exactly that. You will also mention those people you've left behind and you will make sure that the impression they've left on you is shared and understood and appreciated.
You will remember them.
And if you don't, I'll remind you. No matter how quickly you write that book that is your life, you need to always remember that it started out with lots and lots of love.
Now go kick some ass at summer camp, kid.
Love,
The Momma Who Wishes There Was A Pause Button
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Reader Comments (11)
Pause button . . . yeah, me too, mama, me too . . .
OH yes, if only there was such a thing...
I remember when my 1st had his last day at the daycare that I had many of the same feelings about. Such a bittersweet day that was.
Excited to see the next chapter in her book though...
Only you could make me cry at 7:00 in the morning. This perfectly describes the way I feel about our daycare. I can't even begin to imagine Jack's last day there.
And I have no doubt that Alexis will kick ass at camp.
Oh wow. I have chills. What an exciting new chapter for Alexis, and what a big moment for you.
Here's to summer camp!
Poor mommy. I feel the same way. I can't take it.
I'm glad she is excited to start this new phase. Think how much harder it would be if she were sad about it.
What kind of summer camp is she going to? Is she going to half day or full day kindergarten in the fall?
Like Jen, I'm glad she is excited about it! I know this day is coming for us at the end of this summer, too. Abby will be heading to Kindergarten this year, and she has been in this daycare/learning center since she was about 18 months old. It will be a tough time for all of us, I'm sure. Even if it takes a few days/weeks for Abby, I'm sure she'll miss some of her friends from daycare. Where is that pause button?
Alas, on to the future! :-)
i love the way you write. and the way you view the world. while i know this post is about your incredible daughter and the love surrounding her, i just want to ensure you know how loved you are...just because you are you.
Oh mama. Have you found that pause button? SERIOUSLY. I NEED IT. When you find it, please tell me.
thank you, Burgh Baby, for reminding me of those wonderful moments in the Howler's life that I have cherished.
Her daycare took her when she was 3 months old...she was their baby, since many of them had only recently started there also. She grew up there...and when it was time to say good-bye, it was like losing part of our family! We're lucky in that her daycare & preschool are part of a church that is now her AWANA home on Wednesday nights during the school year. The Howler has been blessed with that proverbial village....and I am reminded of it every time I read one of your posts like this one.
Oh, my kingdom for a pause button. I don't even need a rewind button - a pause button would work just fine. <happy sigh>
Nice post, mama.