As the days grow shorter and the warmth of the sun starts to wane, a bittersweet feeling settles into my heart as summer comes to an end. The carefree days spent with my children, filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished moments, now draw to a close. The realization that my kids must return to school fills me with profound sadness.
During the summer, I have enjoyed precious moments with my kiddos, witnessing their growth and the development of their unique personalities. We explored the world together, bonding over shared experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I saw eyes light up with wonder as they discovered new places and learned about the world around them.
Summer offered the chance for me to take a step back from the hectic school routine, allowing us quality time spent together having fun. We enjoyed a wonderful family cruise together, a week at our family reunion at Punderson State Park, splashed in the pool, shared simple lazy afternoons under the shade of a tree, and lost in the pages of a favorite book. These moments created a strong and loving bond between us, deepening the sense of connection and love.
However, as the calendar turns, the impending return to school brings a mixture of emotions. On one hand, I recognize the importance of education and the value of the routine and structure that school provides.
I understand that it’s an essential part of their development and prepares them for their future. Yet, on the other hand, I can’t help but feel a small flood of sadness, knowing that the carefree days of summer will be replaced by early mornings, homework, sports and extracurricular activities.
As the first day of school approaches, I find myself reminiscing about all the wonderful moments shared during our summer break. I cherish the laughter, the little triumphs, and even the challenges they faced together. The knowledge that they will soon be back in the classroom, my oldest back at college, and being apart from each other, tugs at my heartstrings.
Knowing that my oldest will soon return to college 3.5 hours from home and with our second born we have another senior year of high school upon us. Our younger two will be another year older making me wish that these last few weeks of summer would slow down. I love the time we have spent together just doing the simple everyday activities from early morning swim practice to late night Toilet Paper shenanigans.
I have a deep love and devotion to my children and I wouldn’t have it any other way. On vacation, we all bought matching bracelets and they serve as a reminder of the beautiful bond we share and the cherished moments we’ve experienced together. They will remind us of each other and of our love while we are apart throughout the year. Through the changing seasons and the transitions of life, our love remains an anchor, guiding us through both sunny and stormy days.
With all of this in mind remember that as parenting changes and you move through different parenting stages, take time. Take the time to make memories. Take time to enjoy the moments big or small because they will all pass by faster than you can imagine. Take the time to find joy in the new stage and the changes that your family is going through.
