School Day

Why does the first day of school bring bittersweet feelings and tears in all of us?  Dana's breakfast favorite waffles & chocolate chips and Sam's Texas Longhorn hotcakes were a reminder that summer's easy schedule was being replaced by the clock and it's wagging finger.

New clothes felt exciting, but I realized the need to start ironing Sam's button-down shirts the night before.  I felt the need to recheck the teacher's list, the lunchbox & ice water jugs, the school lunch check.

Another First Day Photo on the front steps reminded me we are in a different home.  Twelve years of "First Day" photos were always highlighted on the front porch with flower pots & puppies; one girl, then two, then a little boy added to that morning.  And now, we're back to just two. . .a tall, beautiful dark haired girl & a smiling, clean cut boy.  I miss the three  stair-step kids together.

As we drove into town, another "First Day" tradition, we prayed as we started down Sweet's Hill, like we had for 14 years.  I wondered if the kids will always remember the way we started each school year. . .love, memories and thanks.