My Wish For You

Dear Kids:

Tomorrow you will start a new chapter in each of your lives; each one will be as special and unique as you are. As I sit here and search for the best deals and coupons to finance these special days that lie before us, I can't help but think that it wasn't all that long ago that the idea of school seemed like a million years away. While each day drags on for an eternity for you, I have to force my self not to blink, afraid that I will miss something in the hustle and bustle.













Jessica,

It seems impossible that you starting your Senior year. Of course, you are going to rock it since you spent my senior year with me (even though you were in-utero and claim not to remember it! I think your ACT scores reflect something more, Ms. 23.) Not only are you starting your last year in high school but taking college courses as well. Words can not describe how proud I am to be your Mom. You are everything that I dreamed of and so much more. You have a passion and drive that can take you anywhere you want to go. Recognize that and use it to your full advantage. Enjoy this time that you have. You only get one shot.









Nicholas,

Sixth grade is an exciting time. You finally get to do some of the things that you saw Jessica do (like band and soccer) but thought it would be FOREVER until it was your turn. It may seem like it took forever to you, but it was only minutes for me. Try to enjoy what you have in front of you at the moment. Don't be in a hurry to be older.

I know you are nervous about band, but so are the other kids that will be in there with you, regardless of what they say. You are going to rock the percussion section. Practice all you want; you'll never hear me to tell you to stop. Unless it's like 2am. (You know, the neighbors and all.)
And just so you know, it's a new chapter for me, too. We are in this together.










Darrin,
I am not sure who is taking this year harder, you or me. I know you are nervous that you won't know where to go. Or you can't get your locker open. Or you'll have Mrs. Yellsalot for Math. (Trust me when I tell you that I've got my eyes on her, if you do.) Know that you are feeling the same things as all the other fifth graders. Think of this year as new adventure that ONLY you got to go on. Jessica and Nicholas didn't get to spend fifth grade in a Middle School. It's a pretty spectacular thing that as the youngest child, you are doing something the other two didn't.

Even though I won't physically be at school every day like you are used to, I will be in your heart. You will be able to open your locker. You will make it your classes on time and know where you need to be. You will know the right choices to make and be able to handle the consequences of the choices you shouldn't have made. You are not alone. The last five years in school have not been for naught; it's all been leading up to this year. Just as this year will prepare you for the next.

(But let's just enjoy this year for now, OK?)


So, kids, even as you grumble about being up early and putting on polo shirts and khakis, and I may even complain at the writer's cramp from writing checks, let's all just take a deep breath and relax. This is the only time that you each will be a Senior, sixth grader, and fifth grader, collectively. My wish for you is to maybe listen to me just this one time and ENJOY the adventure that lies ahead. Don't think of school as a chore, but an opportunity to do something exciting. Take on the attitude of, "I get to go to school," rather than, "I have to go to school." Grab onto the reins of this next school year and hold on tight.

Because I am here to tell you, in a blink, it is gone.

In the words of one of our faves, Eminem:
Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted-One moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?
.
.
.
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo

Love,
Mommy


P.S How 'bout for dinner, I make "Mom's Spaghetti?"