Back to School Blues

School starts very soon. I mean really soon. This is our last week before school starts. Today is rainy, stormy, and just a little yucky.

I am soaking up as much time with my kids as I can before the hustle and bustle of the new school year begins. For all of us, we will be starting back to school in one way or another.

The kids start back at Carterville Intermediate and Carterville High. I return to John A. Logan, and have a new dual credit class I am teaching, and Sam will return to SIU in a few weeks.

School can be hard. Middle school and high school can be hard.

I think back to my time in middle and high school, and understand that times have changed. Things are different now.

I want my kids (and maybe Sam and myself) to remember:

1. Not everyone will get you. I’m still finding my people at 38. I’m learning to be patient, and still trying to make new friends. That’s hard.

2. Good friends will last a lifetime. Friends may come and go, but I have found that some of the good ones will stick with you through the good and the bad, no matter what day of the week it is, and no matter what you are wearing.

3. Not everyone is a natural athlete, or a fan of sports. Sure, we watch a lot of softball, but Caden would prefer to build Legos, create stop-motion videos, and spend time with family rather than pick up a baseball and glove. He is not fond of basketball, but he loves running. I hope he can run his heart out in middle school.

4. Teenagers are weird. They say and do things that are confusing. It will pass. Just be yourself. Be confident.

5. Remember to show respect to adults and kids. Look at people in the eyes when you speak to them, forgive people when they are rude and quick to judge.

6. Support your friends and your teammates. When they are down, find a way to pick them up and show them kindness.

7. Wear deodorant and brush your teeth (I say this so much not just during the school year, but year round).

8. Square pegs can change the world. Just be yourself. Your vibe attracts your tribe. Stay confident.

9. Be kind, you never know what kind of battle someone is facing (even teachers). There will be good days and bad days, try to find the good in each day.

10. Trust God. Pray. Be still. You will make mistakes and that is okay. You will have days where you want to crawl back in bed. You are loved more than you know and you will do great things.

Little moments can become big moments. I know that I have days where I feel like I am missing out, my kids are growing up and changing right before my eyes. Just today, Facebook reminded me of these sweet littles that are becoming fine human beings. I welled up with tears. I want to keep them frozen in this age forever (okay, maybe not the teenage years ), because they are growing up so fast. Time certainly flies when you are having fun…

Where did time go? These kids are growing and changing daily. I’m reminded of our times spent enjoying summer, getting in as many activities, road trips, and vacations as possible before classes started. I remember hating summer ending because we were all in school…time.slow.down.