The Week of "Just Gettin' Through"

So, today I begin, though, with an image of bittersweet. Isn't the end of the school year that way? Bittersweet?

Even this year, when I have had a challenging year overall, I am somewhat sad to see it all end. I have been packing my room to move up to fourth grade too, which I do every so often due to variations in class sizes and such, and that is also in some ways a joy, and in some ways challenging, and therefore, bittersweet.

Then there is the whole aspect of my own children growing up, and another year passing. Devin is off at his grandparent's house, because school has been done for him since last Friday, and therefore, he is OFFICIALLY a seventh grader. I rememver seventh grade SO clearly. Then, as of tomorrow at 12:30, Gwynn, my baby, will be a 4th grader. Today I watched her, and her friend Emma, in their first SchoolWide Talent Show act. Then Gwynn, Emma, Emma S., and Jacque came and performed a play they had worked on on their own for my class. Watching my daughter excel at these things that she loves, that she does and pursues and perfects so independantly, well, let's just say it is yet another thing that is bittersweet. To see her shine is sweet, but that talent, that will take her far in life, will probably do just that. Take her far. Well, as long as Tim and I keep ourselves on the trajectory to retire AT 55, I suppose we'll be able to jaunt off to visit these kids of ours whenever we want, and wherever the world takes them! Won't that be sweet?

Today, to get through, because the day was full of kids, then packing, then meetings, then exhaustion, we went out to dinner. The deck, the water, the boats in mooring, a Stella, the homemade potato chips, the bouncy chairs at Pleasant Beach...need I say more? Thanks PB for getting me through!