This morning I measured the children’s heights on their last
days of 3rd and 6th grades. I backed Grace up to the same growth chart
for the same ritual that we’ve followed since she was old enough to stand
against the wall unsupported. This time,
however, was different. This time I
caught my breath and fought against a lump in my throat. This time there was more Grace than there was
chart. In that moment we both stared at
each other in absolute shock and confusion, identical looks of “what in the
world do we do now” on our faces. And
then, in an instant, it wasn’t my beautiful 12-year-old with the mature face
and legs that go on for days staring back at me, but rather the little girl
with the white-blond ringlets, freckled checks, and smocked bishop dresses
standing there against the wall. Without
even thinking about it I leveled my pen on the top of her head and drew her “last
day of 6th grade” line right. there. on. the. wall. After all, who really needs a chart. She’ll always be little to me, and I’ll always,
always want to watch her grow. And I’m
going to keep right on marking, even if I have to use a stepladder to get up
there! (and if we ever move, I’m taking
that wall with me)
In other news, Cooper backed himself up to the chart and
measured exactly the same height that Grace measured on her first day of 5th
grade. Oh. My. Lord. He was so proud and got on the bus dreaming
of the day he’ll be able to look down on her.
We’re currently accepting donations in order to purchase cattle as this
is the only way that we can think of to be able to feed him! He has thoroughly enjoyed his 3rd
grade year, is enamored with his cute, blond teacher, and is one of the most
kind, loving people I know. I really
think that his body has to grow so quickly just to accommodate the size of his
big, beautiful heart. No doubt he’ll
surpass the chart one day soon too. On
that day my heart will skip another beat for a split second just before I draw
his line right. there. on. the. wall.
(did I mention that if we ever move I’m taking that wall with me?)
Grow my babies, grow.
Grow healthy and strong. Grow
wise and wonderful. Grow compassionate,
curious, and confident. Grow honest and
fair. Grow loyal and loving. Grow knowing that you are adored, loved more
than you can ever imagine. Grow knowing that you have been Crazy Blessed with so much. And grow
knowing that we are cheering you on every. inch. of. the. way. (and, not sure if I mentioned it, but, if we ever move I'm taking that wall with me)
If I let myself think about it long enough it’s bittersweet. We love summertime, but each “last day of
school” is one step closer to the “LAST day of school”. Congratulations to our graduating friends,
but for now keep those caps and gowns away from my little people – we’re too
busy throwing water balloons at the bus stop, eating ice cream, and opening the
pool for the summer to worry about such as that just yet.
Congratulations teacher friends of mine – dance and wave as
those buses roll away.
Happy Summer all!
Here’s to those lazy days . . .
amy