The house is so quiet… for the first time ever, all three of my children are out the door before 8:00. Tristan will have half days of kindergarten for the first two weeks so the change from preschool won’t be too dramatic. And yet, somehow with his backpack on, lunch pack clipped to it, it is different. He stands at the bus stop with a bunch of other children from the street; some of them were babies when we first moved here seven years ago. I see the changes in them after the summer more easily than in my own.
These are the psychological stretch marks I’ve written about before. These are the moments you know are monumental. Growth happens in fits and starts, not with smooth, sliding grace. This shift is simultaneously sudden and gradual in its arrival; I’ve been counting the days for the last month, but still the finality of its presence takes my breath away. With Tristan it’s different, his life thus far has been a challenge in many ways (background on Tristan and his physical abnormalities here). We’ve been a team, and worked so hard together. He will continue with OT and PT and need a few modifications in the classroom. But I know he’s going to be just fine.
I’m looking forward to writing again… the last month has been busy with things mostly of the unpleasant kind. But the routine of the fall, the schedules, the calendars give me structure. And with structure comes comfort. I can get through this rocky time. I can create the life I want, the one I need. I just have to keep trying.
Link to Twitter
Yay Tristan!! He looks so grown up with his backpack on. I know he’s going to make a GREAT kindergartener! I hope your first morning isn’t too rough — at least it isn’t a full day yet. BIG HUG.
I know Tristan is going to love kindergarten…and (selfishly) I know I’m going to love the fact that his mother has more time to write.
Oh, Lisa, you said it perfectly. Gradual yet sudden. Joy and sadness. I’m going through this today as my little one enters preschool for the first time. I’m a little bummed because he cried when I left. My others just waved me on my merry way.
I wish you and your family a peaceful, ordered, happy year. Enjoy your writing time. *cheers*
My youngest (of four children) just started full day kindergarten. While it’s a big deal for her, it’s a HUGE deal for me. After cancer, the last thing you want to do is hurry through a day, a week, a year but the truth is, I’m ready for this new season of life. Good luck to you in yours!
yes, you can. it is just a new phase in the life you want. i love the photo of him on the bus, so sweet, so illustrative of all those tiny glimpses you get of them as they grow up so fast.
Yes, you can.
I believe in you.
<3 <3 <3 Lovely.
Sweet, heartfelt post about your baby and your deep love for him. I’m still teary. Look forward to reading more!
Funny how sometimes you come across something at the precise moment that you need it, this was your post for me tonight. I so enjoy hearing about Tristan, the love you share overflows & pours out of twitter, makes my world kinder, more hopeful. Thank you.
Lovely, as always. Hurrah for all of you!! And happy return to routine 🙂
I love the look of excitement on Tristan’s sweet face. I can’t wait to read about his new adventures at school and I’m sure he’s already entertaining you with the events of each new day of kindergarten. You’ve raised a smart, funny, engaging little boy who’s captured our hearts and made us smile.