Let’s pretend that I shared these photos on Monday, the actual first day of ninth grade and sixth grade for Parker and Bailey.
Let’s pretend that the transition to catching a 6:30 bus before sunrise, and then an 8:20 bus TWO HOURS LATER has been effortless and welcomed.
Let’s pretend that my son is enthusiastically organizing himself for the challenging year of academics and extracurricular activities that lie ahead.
Let’s pretend that my daughter did not collapse in my arms at the end of the first day with hot, silent tears slipping down her cheeks as she whispered, “It wasn’t BAD…it just didn’t feel good”.
Let’s pretend that the loss of my mother hasn’t thrown a heavy blanket of ever-present loss and grief over the shoulders of our family.
Let’s pretend that I love these children of mine madly, and know that we can not only conquer these school days, but also cherish them, recognizing that they are finite, precious, and racing by with terrifying speed.
Guess what? I don’t have to pretend that last one at all.
