Monday, August 25, 2008

Summer Vacation is Sadly at an End.

Big sigh.

My first day of school is today and I have mixed feelings. There is always the excitement of the first day of school... new school supplies, new clothes, fresh faced kids and the hope that some of my students did their speech homework over the summer (highly unlikely, I realize). I am a Speech-Language Pathologist, for those of you who don't know.

I do enjoy certain aspects of my job. I love helping kids reach their full academic and social potential through improving their communication skills. The kids make it all worth it. I do not like, however, the endless paperwork, meetings, and pressure to meet IEP deadlines. It stresses me out. I do not like leaving my own children during the week but I do what is necessary to help my family financially and I make the best of it in the meantime. Joel and I have worked out a great schedule this year. Our kids will only be in daycare one day per week and the rest of the time will either be with me or Joel.

My daughter also starts Kindergarten this week (cause for more mixed emotions). I am proud, sad, nervous, hopeful... it is hard to think of letting her go when I have only had her for three short years. It seems that just yesterday I saw her for the first time at the International Arrivals gate. My heart was pounding when Joel placed her in my arms for the first time. What an unforgettable moment to hold both of my much longed for children at the same time; one in my womb and one in my arms. I had better stop or I'm going to make myself cry.

I want so much for her to have a good school experience. I have done a great deal to prepare her for this day given her history of anxiety and attachment problems. She seems nervous but excited and I am praying for a smooth transition, that she will connect with her teacher and make new friends.

This is a big week for us all but God is our strength, joy and peace. I pray that I will remember this throughout the year especially at those times when I fear being swept away by the stress and pressure of it all.

4 comments:

Becky Avella said...

I've been thinking about you so much today. I know going back has mixed emotions for you. I've been praying for contentment and joy.

I had the hardest time seeing A go to kindergarten this morning. Reading this post and remembering N's arrival and how fast it all has gone made me tear up. I can't believe our girls have grown up so fast.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jen! Was wondering how your first days went. MissA had the day off today and tomorrow is her first full day of school. How did N do?

Hilty Sprouts said...

Things are going well so far for me. Miss N starts tomorrow afternoon. I think she's excited but nervous.

Jen

Anonymous said...

Oops! Forgot to sign my comment.

Marisa :)