End of Summer Blues

End of Summer Blues

With school starting back day after tomorrow, I’m already feeling the “end of Summer blues”.

Today will be a day of going to an amazing middle school that we are already familiar with, to meet Ava’s teacher and see her classroom. Then, we will begin a new chapter with Alexis as we head over to the high school (which also has an amazing reputation) and make ourselves somewhat familiar with countless halls and buildings.

I am a mom that becomes more sentimental and emotional when a new school year begins. I know routine and structure is healthy and needed. There is great purpose in order; however, there is something about Summertime and the unscheduled, non-routine days. There is something about not having a bedtime, the smell of sunscreen, hosting Summer birthday parties, hearing giggling girls come downstairs to get a late night snack, and whatever road trips and outings we take as a family! These are just a few things that brings a giddy excitement and contentment to me.
The melancholy emotions at the end of every Summer aren’t so much about having to get back on a routine, but it’s a realization that time is passing too quickly. I am a “Momma hen” that loves her “chicks” being close by. I’m so thankful for the honor of loving and taking care of them and do so with all I have. As each year passes, the needs of my children change and our relationship matures and deepens. That in itself is beautiful and how it’s supposed to be.
I am growing as a parent as each stage changes in my children and as they continue to grow. We are “infant” parents when our children are first born and we grow together as time passes.
My youngest daughter, Savannah, is two years old and has Down Syndrome. She is not in school outside our home yet, but I know I will have every emotion and concern that I have with her older sisters. However, there will be additional emotions I will not allow myself to dwell on at this time. In my transparency, I don’t want Savannah to be stared at in a negative way. I don’t want her to be excluded, made fun of, or made to feel inferior. I want her to be treated equally and for all who have the privilege of meeting her, to see Savannah, not a diagnosis.
How may school children with disabilities not experience those fears I have? It starts with us teaching our children without disabilities to treat their peers with kindness and respect, never believing we are better than another. If they see someone sitting by themselves at lunch, invite them to sit with you. If one is playing alone, befriend them. Differences can be so cool and amazing because they teach us something we don’t know and are unfamiliar with!
What I have to remember is, if I’m doing one of my jobs as a Momma correctly, I’m also teaching my children not to need me like they once did. That’s a hard pill for many of us to swallow.
I’m teaching them to be independent, responsible, respectful, soon to be adults that will be a positive, loving, contributing part of society. However, I will advocate and educate to whomever will hear how we are all more alike than different.
I will cherish every moment and every stage daily. I will continue to develop and change as a parent just as my children continue to do so. However, whether we are on a routine or Summertime freedom, I will teach, love, direct, and encourage them until I take my last breath. No matter the stage or season, I will forever be a Momma having all of the emotions that come with that privilege.
Thank you Summertime, you have been good to us and have given us more precious memories we will always cherish!