Today was the first day since Irene hit New England that we have had all of our services and utilities at the studio. The power is on. The network is back up and running. Our phones finally work again! And, despite the fact that we are now desperately behind in our post workflow, it was one of the first days that I just really don’t care! I can care tomorrow…. and I will. But, today was reserved for my family. After all, today was supposed to happen days ago as we waited for the schools to get their power back. We have all been waiting anxiously for our first daughter’s first day of kindergarten.
I knew that I would cry. She knew that I would cry. In fact, we have been talking about how I was going to cry for weeks – I didn’t want to scare her so I had her prepared for mommy’s “happy tears” that she has seen before. As the bus rolled up, my eyes welled, my hands shook as I kissed the palms of her hands (if you have ever read The Kissing Hand, you know why….) and off she stepped into that big yellow bus and into the rest of her life. And, as it drove away, it was as if I could hear the cheers of the crowd as she threw her cap at high school graduation, as if I could see a quick glimpse into the future of Bob walking her down the aisle….. Really, I was overwhelmed with a visual reminder of just how quickly life with these little people goes by!
So I spent the rest of the day wearing sunglasses and trying to occupy my mind. Her little sister would not take her nap because she was worried she would miss Big Sister’s homecoming. So, hours later, we walked to the bus stop to greet our little Kindergartner. She stopped to humor mommy with a photo before she bounded off the bus and into my arms. Little sister SQEEZED her and said, “I mist-ed you.” And, off we walked home. I was swinging my camera and took a random “grab shot” at our shadows and have a new favorite family portrait….. one that marks a new era and the daily arrival of that yellow bus. I assume that as some point, I will stop crying when I see it pull up?!?!?
To my little K – You are full of life and energy and laughter. You are probably the most passionate child I have ever met! You have an amazing future in front of you and I am proud to be your mommy. Life has never been boring since your arrival. I love you with all of my heart – and “til the stars turn into popcorn.”
My mom had sent some photos of me from my first day of school back in 1979! So, once K saw them, she specifically wanted to take a photo in a tree like her mommy did on her first day of Kindergarten. How cute is she?!?!? And, hey Mom, that dress you sent me off to school in was pretty darn short!!!!!!!!!
And it is about right…… now……. that I start to break down!
Now going to pick up Big Sister from the bus stop….
And she is home…. and my eyes well again…..
And my new favorite family portrait……
