Greetings, dear Sunny Buddies,
Wednesday, the 17th of August, 2022, was a red letter day for us as a family!
It was my grandson Noah’s first day at school.
As with many families across Scotland, on that morning, we celebrated this time of transition for our wee boy. There were the sending of good luck messages and the sharing of photos. There was also a collective sigh of relief when we heard he had happily walked through the ‘BIG’ school doors.
It seems like just yesterday that his mummy was in her new school uniform with her satchel on her back. Now so many years later, here is another wee person disappearing through the school doors. This time it is a Hulk backpack!
There is a wee tear in the eye.
I knew Mummy's heart would be in her mouth as she relinquished her 'boy' into the big world of school. I remember her Daddy, and I went for a cup of coffee after she went through the doors into a world we would not see. There was excitement for Judy and a degree of sadness for us. It was as big a transition for us as parents as it was for our precious daughter.
And she was ok, just as I know Noah will be ok.
It is an age-old tradition that families come together to honour this time of transition of a precious child. However, this feels more significant as so many children heading to school this time reached this point through two years of major disruption to their socialisation. I wish all the children and their families my best as they traverse this transition.
I wonder if there are memories you, or a loved one, have of going through the 'big doors'. As always, I would love to hear from you.
August Meditation
I thought you might like to have the August guided visualisation I recorded last year from the Dorothea Breitzer-Kings book called Meditations through the Year. For August, Dorothea takes us on holiday into our outer and inner worlds. Her words and imagery are refreshing and relaxing in equal measure. She guides our imagination to move beyond our everyday routine and transition to inspiring opportunities for the next phase of our lives. This meditation feels appropriate as we, too, seek to move on from the last two years.
I hope you enjoy the recording. My thanks to Tim Uffindell for his exquisite piano accompaniment on the recording. Click here or on the photo below to listen.
Dear Ann
I am so glad Noah went willingly through the big doors - what a relief. Your story reminded me of the day we let Lauren go into her new world. It too was a great relief that it went well. She was already friends with 3 others of her own age from the close we lived in.
My first day at school was a little overwhelming and I was less willing. I was deeply moved by this months meditation especially given that I am headed for a new start in life. Another chance to do things differently. A chance to bring a little more lightness and fun into my life.
As I am getting older I am curious about the next set of big doors and my fantasy is that I will be waving a banner bearing my colours as I willingly step through.
What a fun day for Noah and your family, Ann. The first day of school is indeed a huge transition. While I do not remember my first day of school, I solidly remember my first day of NOT going to school. Because my birthday is in December, I didn't get to start school with many of my neighbor pals. The school was located just across the street from our home, and I sat sulking in the driveway all morning, writing the alphabet in colored chalk to prove that I should have been with them! Your post inspires me to dig out the photos of my own children's' first days and send them copies. Tiny people with big backpacks, dressed in shiny new school clothes....it was so exciting!