With the extra week of summer, this first day of school has been much anticipated by adults and children alike. Today the girls walked in to school as fifth and second graders for the first time. I was shocked, after what has been a lovely, but long summer, that I got a bit teary eyed as I hugged Katherine goodbye in front of her desk.

I think it was really the difference with which the girls handled the day that got my tears going. Katherine held my hand as we walked, stopped in front of the school sign to take our annual picture, asked me to stay in her new classroom with her for one more minute and gave me a huge hug when I left. Caroline did none of this. She walked a few paces in front of us, gave me a look when I suggested pictures in front of the sign and then smiled quickly before running off to wait in line with her friends.

In just three years, Katherine will be the fifth grader, walking independently, shunning embarrassing pictures and perhaps acknowledging with me a goodbye on that first day. In just three years. At this point, perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised at the difference that three years can bring but I still am. For now, I suppose all I can do is be grateful for the reminder.

Happy Fall everyone!