Transitions Commence

Transitions dominate hearts and minds as first-day-of-school photos pop up on social media. These days tug at heartstrings but not all reactions are created equal. Intensities of emotions vary immensely. I gauge them by personal experiences.

Annual 8x10’s featured on living room walls, 5x7’s mailed to grandparents for their albums and wallet-sized photos exchanged among school chums were the norms during my childhood. Though Mom didn’t pull out the camera on first days, I was always excited in a brand new Sears dress wearing new Buster Brown shoes to meet the next teacher. As I started high school, I probably pouted not wearing the latest fads, but I always had everything I needed and I was still eager to go back to school no matter how long the walk or heavy the books. (Can’t speak for my siblings here).

If my parents were emotional at these times, I was oblivious, except when I started college, though I may have misinterpreted that situation. Might there have been some relief mixed in with the expected bittersweet thoughts as they shared last-minute don't-forgets and remember-to's? (Maybe I should check with my siblings about that, also). If there were tears, I never saw them.

When roles flipped, I still experienced excitement starting a school year as the new teacher students would meet, along with excitement for my son’s journey, though it was tempered with the reality of his growing up so fast! Anthony’s first day of kindergarten in Memphis, TN was such a big deal that Mom and Dad showed up. I get more teary-eyed now looking at those photos than I did in the moments they were taken. His start of high school didn’t hit me until he, as a ninth grader, boarded the bus for his first overnight FFA trip. Lots of tears as the bus took off - tears from momma, not from kiddo.

Leaving him in a Mizzou dormitory for his freshman year was incredibly hard. I still swallow a sob remembering the good-bye hugs and quiet ride home. Adventure and sadness both defined the empty nest, along with a dose of pride.

That might describe how we feel here at the PN on this first Wednesday without our Barbie. How marvelous is it to have the opportunity to chart a new course, going off to college for her next position! The void here looms large right now as staff regroups and routines get shuffled. There may be a few tears as we cheer her on, but she’ll remain our Barbie and her future is bright!