Our Five Ring Circus: The Graduate

Monday, May 17, 2010

The Graduate

I do not like change. I embrace routine and sticking within my comfort zone. I like to keep my family and friends near at all times. I hate moving on, and leaving things behind.

All day, it felt like something was off.

Perhaps it was the odd dream I had last night, filled with images of the preschool moms and the road we used to drive on to get to my sister's house, in Virginia. We spent many years driving down that road to visit her, and I hated coming home, and leaving her far away. The dream was unsettling. Andrea moved back home, and has been here for two years already. I can barely remember traveling that road that we drove on so many times, and it bothers me that a time in my life was so easily forgotten.

Perhaps it was the fact that a wonderful man was buried today, well before what should have been his time.

Perhaps it is because I feel like time is going faster than I am. Life is flying by, and I just want it to slow down a bit so I can savor every moment! I feel like everything is changing but me!

Or...perhaps it was because all I could think about this morning when I woke up, was the little, pre-term baby that was placed in my arms 5 1/2 years ago. The little baby that stole my heart within seconds of meeting him. The little baby that I couldn't even imagine being 5 years old. The little baby that I woke up this morning so he could attend his last day of Pre-K.

Just 8 short months ago, we began our journey. It was incredibly difficult for me to let go of Dylan, and send him off to his first year of school.

Photobucket
Photobucket

It feels like he just had his first day. Yet, 8 months have flown by.

Today, I got him ready for his last day of Pre-K. In 8 short months, he has grown an inch, gained a pound, and matured in so many ways.

Photobucket
Photobucket

A lump was lodged in my throat as I walked him into school for the last time. I could barely speak as I handed him over to his wonderful teacher, one of the few people in the world that I trust with his care. I watched with pride as he handed his teachers the plants and cards that he had for them, and felt the tears well up as his amazing teacher embraced him and told him how much she was going to miss him. I know the feeling is mutual.

I managed to get through the morning without thinking too much, but in disbelief that it was his last day already.

And then I walked into his school for the last time to pick him up. I waited in line with Lexie, and thought about how the next time I enter his school, it will be to sign Lexie up for Pre-K. The next time I'm going to walk up those stairs and wait by the classroom doors will be on Lexie's first day of school.

Time. Slow down.

Dylan was dismissed from class for the last time. I could see him smiling at me from the floor of his classroom, just as he always does. He greeted me with a huge smile and a big memory scrapbook made by his teachers. I gripped his little hand, picked Lexie up, and walked out of his preschool with him for the last time.

My boy is a Pre-K graduate.

Photobucket

To say that he had an amazing year would be an understatement. I couldn't be any happier with his school, and he had the most wonderful teachers. I am so sad to leave them behind, and move forward in our journey. He made many friends, learned so much, and had a lot of fun.

He is moving on without many of his classmates. Some are being held back for another year of Pre-K. Some will be attending Kindergarten in another district. He is going to miss his teachers, and the friends that he made, so we are going to do our best to stay in touch with the ones he loves most.

I spent the entire day hugging Dylan and attempting to hold on to this moment. The next 3 months are going to fly by, and then, I will be sending my baby to Kindergarten.

Suddenly...suddenly...they seem so grown up to me.

Photobucket
Photobucket

Today reminded me to embrace every day. Every moment. It's the little things that truly matter. The days I spend with my loved ones are going to be the days I remember most.

I allowed myself to shed those tears as I flipped through his Pre-K memory book. He has come so far this year! I seriously can't believe it's over.

Congratulations on completing your first year of school, Dylan! You have had a wonderful year, and have grown in so many ways! You are turning into such an amazing little man. I love you more than words can say. I always will.

Photobucket

13 comments:

  1. It's not fair to make me cry this early in the morning. Awhh so sweet...they do grow entirely too fast. Congrats Dylan!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Aww. That was such a sweet post. I can't believe he's done already. Does all school end so early in your area? We have school until mid June.

    So, does your nostalgic post on how big and old they are mean it's time for another little baby?? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You seriously almost made me cry! Today is Grant's last day of preschool, and his graduation is tonight! He is excited about it...but I think I may be a little sad!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You know what you need?? Another little baby, that's what! ;P

    ReplyDelete
  5. I was gonna say the baby thing too :)

    Ironman seems to always be beside me when I read your blog and I think he would really like to be friends with Dylan ;)

    We had our last Pre K day last week and it was all I could do to keep from crying!!!

    This week I have to send off the order form for his Kindergarten supplies!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh yes, these transitions are so hard, aren't they. What a beautiful post. He'll love looking back on it someday.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such a sweet post.Sweet girl. Lillian has one more year of preschool and then she will be off to school herself. The do grow up too fast!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think the summer is going to fly by too. K is definately too close for Patrick too. Unlike Dylan though he is really not ready for K and I know he will most likely either have a very hard time or repeat K. I have considered doing prek again for him but I will probably just send him to K since I think its best that James and he go to the same school.

    Good job Dylan though on doing so great all year. Its so hard to see our babies grow up.

    ReplyDelete
  9. such a sweet post!!! they grow up WAY too fast... :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. He looks older from the first picture to the last ... I can't even imagine!!!

    What a great post!!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ohhh now I am in tears too! What a sweet post. I am totally dreading the day that Jimmy goes off to school. I remember when you were sending him off on his first day too, time really does fly by so fast. Wow. Congrats to your sweet boy! I pray he will always have great friends and wonderful teachers. {{Hugs}}

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh, I know how you feel. It's really unbelievable. Our little, little guys. Can't we do this year over again? Please?

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from you! Let's chat!!!