This year has been tough, emotionally. I have been grieving the "lasts" - last first day of school, last Eagles basketball season, last Liberty basketball tournament, last semester as a homeschool.... and on and on. I have tried to savor the moments and appreciate the goodness. My head knows that this is the end of one chapter, but the beginning of a brand new one that has fresh potential for growth and new experiences and joys. But my heart still hurts. My years of actively mothering and teaching a child under my roof and under my care are over.
I have grieved other stages of life as well. I remember feeling sadness when my youngest started kindergarten, and I realized that I would never again be a mother of a preschooler. Sounds silly, but it felt like a physical blow. Similar to the when my oldest turned 20, and suddenly I was old enough to have a child in his twenties. And when the baby turned double digits, and then became a teenager, and ALL my children had left behind those tender years of childhood.
I shed many tears this past week, even as I look forward to seeing what the future holds for my baby boy. I am proud as punch of him, and of his older brothers and sisters as well. I LIKE my kids. They are good people. I am FULL of gratitude that they all still seem to like being around me and their dad and each other. I don't take that blessing lightly!
Our support group graduation ceremony featured 43 homeschools presenting diplomas to their seniors. As always, it was a lovely, moving ceremony. As I told him when I presented him his diploma, I am extremely thankful for the opportunity and blessing of being able to homeschool all 5 of my children. It has been challenging, tiring, and frustrating at times, but most of all, it has been my joy and my privilege.
SLIDE SHOW
1 comment:
Aw . . . I'm sorry . . . and congratulations? I just graduated my first and it was bittersweet enough. 5 more to go . . .
Post a Comment