Time Didn't Freeze...

Not but a couple of short months ago, I wished for a long, drawn-out summer.  However, today, I found myself out on the porch, taking the first obligatory "First Day of School" pictures and wondering where the time has gone.

Three kids...each so different...each starting a new journey.

This girl started middle school today--6th grade--which of course, doesn't seem at all possible.  Armed with her version of command central on wheels (a bag with a laptop, portable long distance magnifier, iPad, hand-held magnfier, blue-tooth keyboard, and phone) and an appropriate mix of excitement and nervousness, she declared she would be finding her own way into school.  She donned her rose-colored glasses and did just that, declaring the day a success at its closure. 

And then there is this beautiful, quiet girl.  More cerebral and less vocal, in her quiet confidence, she met her teacher on the playground and cautiously dipped her toes in the water of 4th grade, thinking and thinking and thinking about what it may hold.  The day was declared a success in her mind as well; she is already enamored with her teacher and drawn in by the exciting learning opportunities that the year holds.  The fact that they have a "coffee shop time" each week where they get to drink hot chocolate and discuss books will predictably be one of the passions for this little bookworm.  (I'm raising my hand to volunteer during that hour.)

Finally, this guy.  In an uncharacteristic display of shyness, he had last minute second thoughts in front of the school amid the massive amounts of moving bodies.  However, once he realized that one of his baseball buddies is in his class, the apprehension quickly dissolved; with the snap of a finger, my little babe was left at the entrance to his elementary school career.  The moment that he first tread on the grounds of Reeder Elementary School as a 2-month-old to drop Camille off at Kindergarten is still pretty vivid in my mind.

As we know, time flies.  We were fortunate enough to spend this past weekend celebrating the wedding of my nephew Joey and my new niece Elizabeth near Washington D.C.  It was such a privilege and joy to be a part of this day of their lives.  Liz has a presence that is completely infectious; she is such a present being.  I found myself just watching her embrace every moment sincerely and purposefully.  In my younger years, I allowed myself the same presence.  Often, admittedly, in the hectic moments of raising 3 kids, maintaining a household, and investing myself in work, I find myself and my mind spread between so many places that it is hard to be purposefully present.  But...Liz has inspired me again to listen and lead more with my heart, so that even though time doesn't freeze, hopefully the moments will stay longer in my memory because they were lived with purpose. 






Here's to new adventures.