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A Season of Change
The holidays are over, and second semester is underway.
My younger sprog came home from school last Tuesday and announced that her principal told her senior class that they had 89 days of school left. She then toddled off to do homework and get into a raucous call with friends, completely unaware that her bombshell had left Dear Old Mom a complete mess.
Eighty-nine days left. Eighty. Nine.
Over the course of two weeks in May, both of my children will be graduating. The older sprog graduates from Austin College on May 23, while the younger graduates from I. M. Terrell for STEM & VPA five days later on May 28.
I don’t know if I’m ready for this.
(Okay, graduation isn’t about me, but this article is, so bear with me.)
I’ve never been one of those parents who get upset that my children are growing up. That’s what they’re supposed to do! I cheered when both kiddos ran into their kindergarten classes without a backward glance. Good for them! They should be excited about starting “big kid” school! Every one of their milestones has been met with, if not joy, at least the understanding that they’re doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing, developmentally speaking.
But this year has been tough. This year, my babies are no longer babies.
Both sprogs want to take a gap year before moving to the next phase in their lives. The older wants to work for a year to build up some capital before grad school. The younger wants to work part time and get their core classes out of the way at TCC before heading off to their undergraduate studies. To save the money they’re going to be earning, both kiddos plan to live at home. They aren’t moving across the world, leaving their old mom all alone and weeping.
But…
I never thought I would struggle with change like I’m struggling right now. Whether it’s due to my neurospicy brain or it’s simply an outward manifestation of my Gen X pragmatism, I’ve never been one to get sentimental when one chapter ends and another begins. While I do get nostalgic, I don’t pine for the “good old days.” Life doesn’t stop, and I’m excited for each new season. (Way to mix metaphors, Lee!)
But the idea of two graduations in five days has knocked me flat. Something big is changing, and I don’t know what that’s going to mean for us going forward. Of course I’m excited for my children; they are fascinating people, and they’re going to continue to be fascinating. This change just seems BIGGER, somehow.
After spending the last two days castigating myself for being a sentimental sap, I’ve decided to embrace the emotions and nostalgia. This is a big deal. My children are marking major milestones in their lives, moving from childhood into adulthood, and it’s okay to be a mess. I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished and what they’ve overcome, and my tears don’t detract from my joy in their accomplishments.
So congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2026! And congratulations to all the mamas of the Class of 2026. I see you.
