Back to School

This was Tori's first day of school in kindergarten, 12 years ago.  She looks a little apprehensive but oh so cute.  Yesterday was the first day of her senior year in high school.  Where has the time gone?  While Tori will be busy and actively counting down the days to graduation, I will do my best to slow down the clock and savor every moment of this last year with my youngest child.  Even if she moves home after college, things will be different, the dynamics will have shifted.   My job will be down sized and out sourced, just as it should be.  There will be lots of new adventures and adjustments for both of us.  I pray for the Grace to let go with love and confidence into the blessings of our futures.

 Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you

yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,

which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek

not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

Kahlil Gibran

Comments

[K a b l o o e y]

Awww, what a picture. And yeah, her face does show a big swirl of emotions. Thanks for popping up with an inspiring and timely post. Good to read you again!

[Laura Hegfield]

my girls start 8th and 11th next week, and already I am beginning to feel this shift of my role...the sense of sweet water running through my hands. It is a blessing to see them grow into their own, yet still, their is a sadness. They are feeling it too, they've said so.

[Debbie]

Oh dear friend. It is a difficult time. As mothers, we grow to feel so connected to our children, only to have to find a way to "disconnect" during their teen years and beyond.

You have done a great job. Your children will always be your children. Things will be different, but you will find your way back to something new and wonderful.

Love and big hugs,
Debbie

[Darla]

A blessed child! These words of Gibran's are some of my favorite; after reading them, I telephoned my own Mom and read them to her. I was reminded as well of a beautiful speech by Sidney Poitier that his character gave to his 'father' in the movie "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" that is quite similar to Gibran's eloquence; I never forgot that portion of the movie even after many, many years.