It’s the first day of summer, again. I’ve been looking forward to this day, I always do. This year is different, this day has been marked on the calendar for four years, maybe even longer.
Today, W graduates from high school. He’ll cross the stage and think this is it. Yet, it is only the beginning of a long journey.
Summer is like that. It marks an end, and a beginning. They, the ends and beginnings, tend to blur and meld over time. It’s a reboot, of sorts.
Each year, I have my own reboot. A time to reflect on what I’ve learned and where I’ve been, adjust my bearings, and chart a new course. And, for the last six years I’ve gone back and re-read what I blogged the year before at Making the Days Count dot org.
It had been six years since I began the journey at MtDC.org.
First Day Posts
- Superstition (2015)
- First Day and Perseverance (2014)
- Getting Started (2013)
- What now? (2012)
- It’s here! (2011)
And my first ever post – precisely one day short of six years ago.
I re-read those posts this morning and as I usually do when I read an old post, I edited a couple of them correcting misspellings, updating bad links, and a finding a new video to replace one which had gone private and was no longer viewable; and I remembered writing the words with uncanny clarity.
I recalled the place I was on my timeline as I read each post.
I wonder if W remembers the change from one year to the next? Looking back on my own timeline, it’s a blur – there are milestones of course. I remember 8th grade graduation and of course, high school graduation, then college summers, I remember a few but beyond those it’s fuzzy. After I was finished with school, the time between college and teaching, the line between seasons – spring and summer wasn’t as easily marked.
W has been going to school for fifteen years, two years of pre-school, kindergarten, then first grade through his senior in high school.
W’s first day of preschool was 9/11. It was really the day before the ‘real’ first day when moms accompany their children and visit the classroom to make the transition to school smooth. W remembers seeing his momma standing before the television and crying. As she cried he asked her what was wrong and she replied, “Honey, it’s just bad news, just bad news” and she turned the television off. Indeed, it was awful news. We have moved past that day, but we are reminded of how it changed us all. There were other first days, fourteen more – the first day of kindergarten, middle school, and then high school. Each memorable on it’s own. There have been many successes along the way and few dips, too.
Next year is college for W and for me another year at 8th grade.
As usual, my summer is already packed with dates and events. Classes, trips, and chores, always chores.
I was reminded this morning that,
The greatest of human emotions is love. The most valuable of human gifts is the ability to learn. Therefore, learn to love. UJ Ramdas
Summer is about learning and re-learning. It’s also about love.
Its’ gonna be a great day, it’s gonna be a great summer, but I have to get started beyond the blog post, so I’d better jump up, jump in, and seize the day. Making the Days Count, one day at a time, one ‘first day’ followed by a ‘second day,’ and then another.
In what way is today the ‘first day’ for you?
Boy, summer seems to have rolled around fast when it does get here. And it will be over even sooner.
Congratulations on W’s graduation. By the photos you post, you all have a lot to be proud of and grateful for. I remember my own high school graduation — a very long time ago. I remember clearly feeling simultaneously elated and terrified.
Enjoy every day.
Great photo. Loving the bow tie. Fabulous Fifties for sure! Enjoy the start of the summer season.
Phil – how the heck are you? Thanks – i was doling out root beer floats and wanted the kids to enjoy the carefree days of the fifties, so I dressed the part of a soda jerk! I’ve not been a good blogger and kept up my reading, but I did read you needed have your vision checked, of sorts. I’ll be on the same track soon. Have a great week and a great summer.
I’m astonished at the early start to your summer break – but then it ends early too. And I think that when your ‘child’ finishes school, it’s more momentous for us than fot them. Such a rite of passage, and after changing their nappies such a short while before, in our heads,
You are so correct in the observance that the graduation means so much for us as parents – B was more excited than W. As for the beginning and end of summer – it varies and changes each year. Last year we ended in early June – we had two bad weather days that extended the school year. But we end relatively early – it is usually September 1 to May 31 here in the states. Next school year I go back on 8/18 and end on 6/5. High school graduation is a right of passage of sorts – traditionally it was the education needed for the step into adulthood and good job, but that has changed in the last several decades.My school ends at eighth grade and we have a ‘promotion’ ceremony to mark the move on to high school. Enjoy your week, I know I will be doing my best. Cheers.
Gosh. Complicated! Despite all you have to do, have a great week.
It’s already off to a great beginning! Thank you.
Well done! A TERRIFIC photo! Congrats on having a graduate in the house. My husband’s break has already begun, and I work a week past the teachers, so I’ll be in until Wednesday. And, like you, lot of chores, but good ones. Enjoy!
The first three days were busy and flew past. I am looking forward to summer and all that it brings. Enjoy your summer and make the most of the time without the teachers and students. Thanks for stopping by! Have a great week.