C-Thru Windows

For most parents the start of the new school year is the most wonderful time of the year. The school shopping is done, the vacations are over, and routines are re-established. You can almost relax once school is back in.

I remember when my own kids were young and the new school year was always so exciting. There was the sticker-shock (and size-shock) of new school clothes. I marveled at the extensive lists of supplies the teachers mailed out every year and knew that, in addition to what the teachers expected, the kids would also expect lots of cool new things. Who would dream of showing up with last year's backpack?

The first day was always hectic. In spite of hours of laying out supplies and packing and re-packing backpacks someone always lost something. It seemed to take forever for those first day clothes to make it on to the kids and breakfast was chaotic. The kids always wanted to go out early and buses always showed up fantastically late. Then, after the bus had finally picked up the kids and disappeared over the hill there was a brief celebration followed by the wish that summer had lasted longer and the kids were still playing in the fields. Every year I was surprised to find that I missed them.

Now my kids are grown and have their own lives. Sometimes months go by between visits. Phone calls just aren't the same as being able to hug your kids. I find myself watching parents being pulled down the aisles of stores and longing for the days when my kids were still school age.

It may be the most wonderful time of the year but we should always treasure every moment with our kids