Bittersweet

It seems like just yesterday I was writing this post about the last day of school, dreaming of the time we would spend together and the fun we would have this summer. How is it possible that those days are already nothing more than mere memories that will be slowly fading with each passing day? The colors are already a little less vibrant and the focus is a little fuzzy.. but the smiles and giggles are bright as ever in my mind.

Don't get me wrong.. my mother's insight was absolutely right. Some days this summer were filled with splashes in the pool and popsicles and giggles. And some were filled with fighting and whining and crying. (Especially this last week... WOW!) But that's the beauty of time. A reflective look back, even on the hard times, can always bring a smile to my face, knowing we made it through together, stronger than ever. I'm thankful I got to spend the good and bad days with you.

As our carefree summer wore on, I started to sense the familiar school panic setting in (for me). I made a conscious decision to not set foot in a Wal-Mart after the 4th of July when they get their school supplies out (and to stock up on toilet paper and dish soap), not look at a Sunday Paper ad that had the words "Back to School", nor read the school newsletter with the school supply list in until at least August started. Everyone around me knew better than to utter the "S" word. And just last night I noticed this is what my calendar looks like...

Denial much??

No denying it now.. You are off to 1st grade and so begins yet another exciting chapter in our lives. I hope we have have given you not only the roots, but also the wings to fly.

As sad as I am to see summer end, to watch the calendar pages flap in the breeze, unable to catch them and slow them down no matter how much I try.. I am actually happy that there is an end to summer. Knowing there days were fleeting and there was an all-too-soon end in sight made me enjoy and appreciate these last 3 months even more. So here I sit, with a familiar ache in my heart.. torn between happy and sad. I suppose that's why they call it bittersweet.

I found this poem on a friend's blog and thought it was perfect for today.

I wonder what you're doing right now. 

And if everyone is treating you kind. 

I hope there is a special person. 

A nice friend that you can find.

I wonder if the teacher knows 

just how special you are to me.

And if the brightness of your heart

is something she can see.

I wonder if you are thinking about me.

And if you need a hug.

I already miss the sound of your voice

And how you give my leg a tug.

I wonder if you could possibly understand

How hard it is for me to let you grow.

For on this day my heart leaves home as 

I watch my baby go.