Thursday, June 6, 2013

Best Ever

Standing on the playground, waiting for the bell to ring.

The principal's deep voice over the loud speaker, "Just a reminder for all teacher's to escort your classes to the playground. We will meet at the flag pole."

I thought it rather odd that Mr. B made this request as the usual procedure is flinging doors and mass chaos. I'd only seen the kindergarten teachers walk their classes out. And that was just on the first day.

I was glad I'd remembered my sunglasses today...watching the goodbye hugs, see you next years and you are officially a second grader declarations from the teachers. 

Peanut ran towards us on her lanky legs with her long hair flying side to side a big grin plastered across her face. She said this was the best last day of school ever and last year was the worst ever.

Last year was heartbreaking, lump in your throat tears running down your face, snotty nose, sobbing mess saying goodbye to life in Kansas. It's hard to believe we've been gone a year and yet it feels like we belong here and I couldn't imagine anything else.

Before we even made it to the parking lot my cell phone was ringing. StinkBug's best friend was desperate to see him. They hadn't played at each other's houses in FOUR days. We invited him to our traditional end of school year celebration-Orange Leaf and the park. 

We met up with three other families-my tribe. People I didn't even know nine months ago who I now see or talk to almost every day. People I can call at 10:30 at night when I have a work thing and my sitter cancels. People who offer to pick up my kids from school, have them sleep over, drive them to birthday parties when I have to fly across country to be with my mom. While the kids run on the baseball field and race down the slide we make plans for a picnic dinner and ladies nights.

Peanut is right- this last day of school is the best ever!

Do you have any end of school year traditions?

7 comments:

Treading Water in the Kiddie Pool said...

Robbie, someone up above was looking out for me today when this appeared in my inbox through my subscription to your blog. Today is our lump-in-the-throat (or rather tears streaming down faces) last day of school. I can't begin to tell you how heartbroken I have been (and my kids have been) about today. We are leaving my kids' school, their friends, my friends and our neighborhood. I have tried to point out the happy things about our move but I can hear the hollowness in my own voice and I'm sure they can too. I know "things will be okay" but it is so hard to see that now. I want to literally lay down on the floor of our house like a toddler and refuse to leave. I remember when you went through your move last year and you have actually popped into my mind a lot lately. While I know things will eventually be fine again, it has helped me so much to read this post. Maybe this can be us a year from now....

@dkotucker said...

I was SO happy to read this Robbie. It left me with the biggest smile on my face. I am so glad that you and your family are all together and happy in your new home! (((HUGS)))

Jodi said...

How awesome that what started out as a trauma for your family ended up being such a blessing. This little story really shows how it takes one door closing for others to open.

psychochef said...

Sweet post. It sounds like your move is turning out to be a blessing. I hope next year is even better!

www.icescreammama.com said...

sounds like a wonderful last day and wonderful new begining

Stacie said...

This perfectly describes our situation too. The leaving and the first few months, before you have a network of friends, is so hard. We moved across the country 3 years ago. It's fine now (although I still miss the CA weather and my friends there).

Mamarific said...

So glad that you are happy one year later, and life is good. So hard to see around those blind corners, isn't it?