First Day of School
Today was the first day of school. My sweet little girl, in her plaid uniform skirt, books in hand and lunch 
all packed walked out of the door all grown up. This was the first day of her senior year. As I sat drinking my morning cup of coffee I couldn’t help thinking back over the past twelve years of first days of school. Well, in fairness from kindergarten through 3rd grade we homeschooled so there was no formal beginnings or endings. It was a wonderful time because everything could be a learning experience and we “went to school” in our pajama’s if we wanted. We worked hard three days, and since it was only a one on one we could relax the other four or find adventures to pursue. Or how about the number of days we took a two hour lunch with friends. It was a great time. My daughter and I have a rhythm and closeness to our lives and I know it began in those early days of homeschooling.
Why did we stop homeschooling? Because this was always about what was best for her. She is a great person but a bit of a follower. So, keeping her home where I could challenge that rather than stick her in a classroom where the teacher encouraged cooperation and following seemed best. As as she grew her sense of self developed became stronger. And as she grew I could see she needed something that being in a classroom all by herself could not give her. As a math intense person she is a linaer thinker. Everything must make sense… black and white… no surprises. As an only child my daughter didn’t have much to challenge her. I was able to see her at church events, when there were a number of other children around and her wide eyed amazement at their ideas. I knew it was time to put her into a more structured setting so she could be exposed to the way others see and understand things. So, the fall of 2000 she started her first formal day of school.
Yes, there have been days we have both regretted the decision. Especially in the morning when we both would rather just stay in our pajama’s rather then her go to school and me go to work. But it has been a wonderful experience for her. She has meet and been challenged by some outstanding teachers who were able to provide for her things I could never. And yes, she has dealt with some crappy teachers too, but they provided valuable life lessons. I have worked for some bosses who made stupid and useless demands on me. Or I knew more than they. Dealing with difficult people is just a part of life. I would remind her school is more then just book learning its an opportunity to learn about life challenges.
So, today begins the ending of this chapter of our lives. And to use an old clique — it seems like only 
yesterday I was holding her in my arms as a baby. My advice to parents of young children: don’t rush them through life. Enjoy each day you have with them. Instead of getting frustrated with your baby crying and being fussy enjoy it. It is so much more heart wrenching when you are holding a teen whose heart has just been broken. And when they don’t “progress” fast enough for you; don’t seem smart enough; don’t seem talented enough look in the mirror and image people expecting of you more than you can give. Accept them. Challenge them. Love them. Provide them with a solid role model. And let them be. Let go and let God direct their path. And enjoy the adventure. I remain, your servant in Christ,
Theresa
Tags: baby, choices, First day of school, growing up, homeschooling, parenting, teen
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