Growing Up

I watched them walk across the parking lot with folders and paperwork in one hand and the grasp of their 5 year old in the other.  I reminisced about kindergarten roundup with my older three and realized that next spring, I will do that one last time.  But what hit me like a ton of bricks was the realization that these parents would be the new, replacement parents in the school for all of my friends with 5th graders who will soon be graduating and don't have younger siblings.

On June 1st, my oldest son and all of his friends will officially graduate from elementary school, and on the morning of June 3rd, they will walk our school halls one last time in an event we call the, "Chomp Out." (We are the Gulledge Gators...thus "Chomp Out.")  So far, the idea of the graduation, doesn't bother me; the idea of the Chomp Out causes my eyes to water!!!

I remember walking a very excited but apprehensive 5 year old into his kindergarten class in McKinney just six years ago.  He loved his kindergarten teacher, and he was super excited about having his own locker.  I am not a super emotional person (my sister teases that I have a heart of stone), but on that morning, I experienced an unexpected emotion.  We attended the morning social for new parents at the school.  A friend of mine from MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) was one of the PTA moms running the show.  She asked me how it went, and a lump suddenly formed in my throat prohibiting me to speak and tears fogged my eyes.  All I could get out was a nod.  I know she could tell what I was trying to hide because without missing a beat, she proceeded to tell me about her kids' first day of kindergarten and what a mess she was that day.

The summer following Nathan's kindergarten year in McKinney, an opportunity arose, and we decided to move the family to a bigger house in Plano.  This meant we would soon have, "First Day of School 2.0" since we found ourselves yet again in an unfamiliar place with people we didn't know.  While it may have taken me longer to leave him that day, I didn't cry.

While we didn't start school at Gulledge, we spent the greater part of 5 years there.  It is his school.  It is where he made friends, got in trouble, saw first successes and experienced failure.  It has been his second home for 5 years.  And in just a little over 2 months, it will be time to say goodbye.  As he walks those halls one last time, I know the memories of the last 5-6 years will flood in.  I pray that what we have taught him during these innocent, young years will be roots to hold him as he takes one more step towards adulthood.  That the love of Jesus would flood His heart.  That he would be the leader he was born to be.

I used this song in the power point for his 2nd birthday because I felt he was leaving babyhood and entering childhood...the best years of his life.  Now, he's leaving childhood and entering teen years, which can be the best years, if he will let them.

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you were mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray for all that you might do
But most of all I want to know you're walking in the truth
And if I never told you, I want you to know
That as I watch you grow

(Chorus)
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So, let my love give you roots and help you find your wings

May passion be the wind that leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong and guide you on your way
May there be many moments that make your life so sweet
But more than memories...

(Bridge)
It's not living
If you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

 First Day of Kinder - Aug. 2010

First Day of 5th Grade - Aug. 2015