It was pointed out to us once that although we diligently note and document the firsts in our child's lives, the lasts are seldom celebrated, if even noticed. Why? Because we often are not sure when a final thing is happening. We can hardly wait for the last diaper change, the last temper tantrum, the last argument about cleaning rooms, but we usually don't know the end we have been longing for has arrived until much later. One day our kid will reasonable say, " It's subzero temps outside, I think I will need mittens.", we will shake our heads, and say, " Oh my goodness. When did this happen? I can't remember the last time I had to tell him he was going to freeze his fingers off if he left the house without proper winter clothing."
So, as the last child began his last year of high school something made us reach for the camera to record an image of the last book brought home for mom to cover with brown paper bag and packing tape protection from the blood, sweat, and tears that this subject has caused over the years. Mostly to the parents of course.
And, we must confess that while we have taken great pride in our skills at making textbooks ironclad, and loved that even as big boys there was still one thing we could do for them long after the classroom party planning and field trip chaperoning ended, after 20 years of attention to grades and school calendars we are fine with moving on to whatever next first future lasts are ahead.
Onward!
3 comments:
And, I might add, giving a nod to the great state that helped mold their education, "FORWARD"!
That was very touching Laura. Maybe a new set of "firsts" that we more easily recognize is a precious reason why being grandparents is such a joy. You have that to look forward to!
Loved this post. I have often talked about ths very subject....when was the last time I held a hand in the mall parking lot? The last bath? The last bedtime story? It's the old " be in the Now and be aware how previous it is".
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