Starting school

The start of school has always been a time of fresh beginnings, cool air, and new opportunities. Even though I haven't actually attended school for many years, I find myself more reflective and optimistic at this time of year than even at New Year's time. That is, until this year. This year I stopped being a nostalgic student, remembering times gone by and friends long heard from. This year, I became parent of a Kindergartener and a preschooler. I am now juggling school schedules, drop off and pick up times, work schedules, days off back-up plans, packing lunches every day (eek!) and the ever present concern of my 5-year old that I will forget him at school — and the fear that I might in all the confusion. Then there are the forms. You would think I was buying him a house with all the signatures I have to make in order for him to attend school legally. Add that to remembering library books and sharing day and the always popular PJ day and I am swamped before school even begins. My little one also has a new beginning this year - preschool. Something she just realized would mean leaving her with someone else for a period of time, even though she has been with me every day as we left her brother at preschool for two years now. She is in for an adjustment for sure. I know I will get used to this back to school rush of activity, but I was blindsided by it my first time around. I might find myself looking forward to the kids starting school at some point, happily looking forward to their first day and talking with them about all the opportunities a new school year can bring. But for now, I remain a wide-eyed novice, blinking at the number of things I have to remember.