What happened to Kindergarten? Where have I been?

As many of you know, I've shared that my oldest son turned 13 a couple of weeks ago. Tongue in cheek here with some seriousness peppered in, I made it. It has been rewarding to see the child turn into a teenager and he is a wonderful person that I truly like. Of course, I love him but it is even more of a statement to me to say that I like him as a person.

He is insightful and caring unlike most kids his age. I've been told that by many of his teachers so it is more than a loving, proud mom here!! Hopefully he will continue on the positive track throughout his life.

Today is the first day of school and he is now in Junior High. Junior High?? What happened to his first day in Kindergarten? The time has just passed by so quickly.

Okay, I admit, I did the mom thing. He wanted to take the bus rather than me drop him off. As I was saying good-bye with lots of hugs and kisses....possibly reluctantly to let him go, he was looking at the door. That's the nature of parenting. We know it is a good thing for them to want their independence and anxious to move forward in their lives. However, as a mom, I'm in a time warp and living in his Kindergarten days.

I feel sad and excited for him. I can hardly wait to hear about his day. Next year, my younger son starts middle school so I get to go through this all over again.

I'm a very reflective person so I look for the lesson or something I can learn in a situation to improve my own personal growth. The lesson is that there are so many days and periods of time that have just flown by. I'm more present now. I know those days go by in the blink of an eye. I'm present and enjoy each and every day with my kids and in my own life.

Kids are great. As parents, we are "supposed" to teach them the lessons of life. When, in fact, they really teach us just as much.

Cathy