First Day Beauties and Blues

Here’s what happens when you blink…

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7th and HIGH SCHOOL!

I’ve always been sentimental and nostalgic, but it’s been while since I’ve felt this emotional on a first day of school. I’m talking tears, y’all! And it’s not like I’m doing this for the first or last time! I checked over a few other first day posts {2012, 2013, 2014…wow they’ve grown!} just to see if this year is any different.

In some ways, this year is like any other. I’m never ready for summer to end and the school schedule to begin. I love our school, but I always feel a sense of loss when a new year starts. Sometimes I feel bad saying that, because I know there are mamas who can’t wait for this day. I have close friends who feel that way, and I honor their feelings. But I’ve always been a different bird. So what feels like freedom to a whole lot of mamas, feels like loss for me. And I’m okay with it. There’s room for all of us to have very different feelings about the very same thing. 

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Aslan might be sadder than I am today. He misses his playmates.

So why the tears? Maybe because I have a  high schooler and know how quickly these last four years at home will pass. It feels like just yesterday that I was the one starting high school! I was quaking in my ballet flats because I was entering a whole new world of intense academics, all new faces, and an unusual amount of wealth and privilege. I felt like a fish out of water on all fronts. {And then did something only a mom would think is cute: cut my hair crazy short and wore brown lipstick! Girls said they liked it…only to tell me how awful it was years later. Let’s just say…not a great start for a new girl.} I’m pretty sure my daughter’s first day of high school will be better than mine! She’s going in strong with long hair {ha!}, kind friends, rock solid faith and a school that helps her to flourish in her gifts.

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So is it 7th grade that makes me cry? We all know 7th grade is a hard one, even at the best of schools. But no, I’m not crying over it, and neither is she. Because the truth is, my 7th grade girl is absolutely equipped to thrive this year. She’s every bit as sparkly and shiny as she’s ever been, and even on her moody days, I can see that she knows who and whose she is. She’s a radiant daughter of the King, and there is no one else like her.

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Here’s a significant factor that’s all new to me: for the first time in a month, I’m on my own with this broken ankle. My sweet girls have made me breakfast, lunch and lattes every single day for the last month without complaint. Not to mention all the extra farm and house work they did while I was on the couch. For them, school must feel like freedom! They deserve it!

I couldn’t have survived the last month without my sweet girls. I still can’t walk, but I’ve got this geriatric looking knee scooter to help me get around. The basket is a huge perk! Not quite as exciting as the big basket I had on my banana seat Schwinn in the early 80’s, but it allows me to take a few things along with me as I move about the house.

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Also, thanks to the scooter, I’m off the couch for the first time in weeks. And friends, let me tell you, four weeks on the couch is not as enjoyable as it sounds. All that lying around feels too close to the days of depression, and hello…when all you do is eat and lie on the couch, your clothes start telling you it’s time to move! {You know it’s bad when your undergarments don’t fit!} And while learning to walk again feels painful and scary, I’ll do it if it means getting off the couch! {What I thought would be an 8-week recovery is more like 4 months. I had no idea. But good news: I can start physical therapy in two weeks!}

This post wouldn’t be complete without my first day of school picture:

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Now I’m laughing! My youngest snuck this shot early this morning. I’m wearing the Jackopierce tshirt I’ve had since college…with my geriatric knee walker in one hand and crutches in the other. I hardly know what else to say. At least I put shorts on? {I’m still wearing this as I type.}

So now that I’m laughing instead of crying, I can stop writing and let you get on with your day! I hope it’s a good one. And if it’s not, I hope you’ll find someone to be with, to talk to, to make you laugh or to let you cry.

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We can do this day, Bravehearted Beauties!

Lots of love to you,

P.S. I think I’m going to pick up my phone and call a mama who just moved here two weeks ago. Her kiddos started school with mine today. I’ll never forget that new girl feeling. If you hear of someone who’s brand new at your school this fall, try reaching out with a phone call or email. Even if she’s an introverted homebody or too overwhelmed to commit to social things right now, she’ll appreciate being seen and noticed.