Jaret's First Day of Grade Two

Jaret had his first day of Grade 2. Sometimes it is hard to believe that he is already in Grade 2 but then on the other hand he surprises me with how mature he can be. I guess as a mom, you sometimes just want to keep them little forever.  But, he will still hold my hand and I will cherish that feeling as long as it lasts, knowing it won't last forever.

Jaret had a good first day at his new school. He was greeted by his new teacher, Mrs. Stonehouse, at the door of his classroom. She helped him find his cubby and his desk. The class didn't spend much time in the class as they joined the rest of the school in the gym for chapel. It was a wonderful chapel with worship, staff introductions, and a welcome from Mr. Wiebe. Jaret was excited that we started with singing O Canada but admitted he didn't remember all the words and thinks we should practice it.

After the chapel, elementary students were dismissed to their classrooms where parents were invited to pray over the class. It was a special time and I was grateful to join in this prayer time. It was a chance for the students and parents to pray for the class and the year. Kirra's perspective was cute when she was telling Terry about it at the end of the day, "We just kept praying and praying and praying for Jaret's class."  I guess she thought it was a pretty long time to pray.

Before leaving the school, one of the girls in Jaret's class said goodbye to him. He questioned me about how she could know his name.  I explained to him that because he is new to the class, everyone knows his name even though he hasn't met them yet. He was a little disappointed that he didn't make a friend today. That broke my heart. I wish that the students had a little more time in the class for an ice breaker or two; it is nice to meet your classmates when you are new or to just spend time with your friends when you are returning after summer holidays.

I had a more difficult day than Jaret. It was strange walking back into a school that I was a part of over eight years ago.  I saw some familiar faces but so many new faces. I guess it will take time for it to feel like home again but it made me miss all the friendly and familiar faces at BCS. It was also such a different feeling just being MOM and not being a part of the staff, kicking off a new school year. It may take me some time to embrace this new season of life.

It was wonderful celebrating Jaret's first day of school with a Starbucks date to end the morning.  In the afternoon, the kids played with the next door neighbours while I cleaned up the front flower bed. It felt so therapeutic pulling up all the raspberry bushes and getting rid of all the mulch - 12 or so black, garbage bags later. Maybe it is a good thing that the yard needs a lot of work. It will give me a good project over the next month.

I love you, Jaret and I am so proud of the boy that you are and the boy that God is helping you become.  I will continue to pray for you as you transition to this new school and as you make friends.  You emulate kindness and compassion.  You have a sense of humour and you like to have fun.  You know how to be a friend and will therefore make friends.  I am grateful for your new school and the lessons you will learn each day.  Remember to be yourself, because God created you to be you!