A week of firsts and lasts

Sunshine's first pair of pointe ballet shoes

Last week was a week of milestones, firsts & lasts for many families, including ours. First day back to school. First of my four to hit grade 12, last year of school for him. Last of my four to farewell primary school and start middle school. First of my four to get their license and last time dropping him somewhere as he can now drive himself!

First time I could ask my son to pick up his siblings. First time to drive up the coast on his own with a car load of friends. First time driving solo at night. But certainly not the first or last time worrying if he'll be alright!

First pair of pointe ballet shoes bought & pointe class attended for our budding ballerina. First time DW tackled physics & chemistry & played keyboard @ church,  first medical scan and exposure to demonic activity (not at the same time) for Thoughtful Princess.

What a week!

I often write about milestone moments as a part of cherishing everything parenthood brings. Savouring significant moments in their lives, starting school is most definitely one of them. Facebook was flooded with photos of everyone's little ones starting school. The joy & tears! Both parent & child! 

With the opening of a new chapter brings the closing of another. With a first usually comes a last.

A work colleague and I had lunch together yesterday reminiscing about the changes in our children's lives and how it seems to impact us more than it does them. Attachment and letting go is often a bigger deal for us parents than it is for our child or teen. They are filled with pure excitement & thrill of something new as we muse & mull over the way it was & will never be the same again. 

The wonder & adventure of life fills our children as we realise we will never walk this road again with them. That is why I chose to write this blog, to simply cherish every little moment, to capture, to enjoy, an attempt to make the most of opportunities & time given us, rather than in complaint of how hard it all is.

Last week was wonderful & hard all rolled into one.

Cherishing firsts and lasts in my children's lives

Cherishing the wonder & joy they bring

Cherishing even the tears