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A New Years Resolution

It’s that time of year again – private school registration. Each year we go through this song and dance about enrollment fees, registration fees, length of commitment, after hours care decisions… Why it has to hit in January when you’re still reliving your generosity over Christmas, I don’t know. This year is even more bittersweet as it seems to be a crossroads for many of the families as they make the hard choice to leave pricey private school for the affordable and convenient public school system. It seems like each day we’re learning of another family who won’t be part of our comfortable little cocoon next year.

I’m sad because I have grown to love the other parents in our school. Most of us have been together since our kids were in the nursery. It feels like family. It is family.

In my heart I know that their places will be filled with equally lovely families, and just because the kids go to separate schools doesn’t mean they can’t remain friends. But reality is, we’ll all get swept up with our day to day, and the distance and effort will be too great.

And –frowny face –we won’t have the crutch of sports to keep us together either.

To compound the reality, after 6 continuous seasons of either soccer or t-ball, the preschool Eagles team is disbanding too. The coaches need a much deserved rest — and the coach’s son wants to go back to t-ball. Okay, so the REST of the team isn’t disbanding until Fall, but the Cupcake is adamant about no more t-ball. (It’s hot, the sun is in my eyes… admittedly, at this age its dreadfully boring so I can’t blame her…) Cupcake has played on the same team with the same school friends since they had just turned 3, and while I know it doesn’t sound that long, it’s practically a third of her life. When the next soccer season comes around again, it won’t be co-ed anymore so after our last game this month, she can toss out her jerseys.

So you see, it’s the end of an era. I’m allowed to be melancholy, right?

But with each closed door, another opens. There will be  blessings in all of this uncomfortable change. I know this.

Case in point: After our last soccer game, a coach from another team asked if the Cupcake would be willing to join their team when the opportunity arose. And wouldn’t you know it, the Cupcake is really looking forward to meeting new friends. I don’t know why I am surprised at her eagerness. A year ago, she wanted to take dance lessons so I signed her up. She didn’t know anyone in the class, I thought surely it would end in lots of wasted money. Even though she is painfully shy at times, we eased her into it, she made new friends and loved every minute of it.preschool soccer game

I so admire that in her.

She’s 4 and half, and I envy her. I wish I had a little more of her kutzpa in me. I’ve always shivered at the thought of walking into a room full of people I didn’t know and having to make small talk. I loathe being the center of attention. I’ve learned through the years to grin and bear it, act like I’m fine, but it’s soooo uncomfortable that I still will avoid it unless absolutely necessary.

Time marches on and in to 2013 we go, with new beginnings, new adventures to be had and new friendships to be made. I’m not one to make a lot of resolutions, but I do make areas of focus. I think this year I will make a committed effort to learn more from my daughter. Even though we’ll be in unfamiliar territory as the new kids at the soccer field and there will be new faces invading our school hallways soon enough, we’re going to ease into it and embrace all the blessings that will come with this next chapter and sparkling new year.

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