Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Empty Nester/Retirement (from work) (09/10/09)
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TITLE: Big School | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marylynne Middelkoop
09/13/09 -
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“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
What an odd song to be singing during the final weeks of summer—unless, of course, you are a major retail chain advertising back-to-school sales for summer-weary parents! September has always been one of my “most wonderful” times of the year, not because my children are back in class and out from under foot, but because I truly enjoy looking at shelf after shelf of post-its, binders, pens, and planners—a trait at least one of my children has inherited. I love the smell of a new notebook; love the look of that first crisp, clean page, and the excitement of a new beginning.
Twenty one years ago, I watched with pride—and a little sorrow—as my eldest daughter found her assigned seat, spread out her school supplies, and made her first friend in Grade Primary.
The ensuing years have been filled with challenges and joys as we welcomed two more children to the fold; attempted to model our values of fairness, integrity and respect, and had to apologize when we blew it; navigated the emotional ups and downs of puberty; and asked each child to be patient with me when they grew up faster than I could let go. These moments, and more, have been indelibly written on my heart.
I believe God gives us the blessing of memories to temper our sense of loss as one chapter in our story closes, and another begins. I call these transitions, “Going to Big School.” This started when our first child was promoted from kindergarten to elementary school—“Isn’t this exciting? You’re going to Big School now; think of all the adventures you are going to have!”—and continued right through high school, university, work, and marriage. What it has come to mean is that each new beginning is a God-given opportunity to learn more about ourselves, our abilities, and our resilience as we allow God to lead, enable, and teach us.
This September, my first in twenty-one years, I will not be walking the aisles selecting duo-tangs and ever-sharp pencils. In January my son will be leaving home to begin a career in the military. Eight months later, my youngest will leave home to attend post-secondary school in another province. Once again, I will experience the bitter-sweet effects of maternal love—the push and pull of a love that is willing to sacrifice all to prepare one’s child for life beyond the nest, while at the same time wanting to hold them tightly and shelter them from what they will encounter in that life.
I won’t cease to be a mother because my children no longer live at home, but who I will be beyond the laundry, dishes, homework, and bedside chats is a mystery. The possibilities are endless, and, as a Pastor of mine once said, “The future is as bright as the promises of God.”
Perhaps I’ll go to Staples, after all, and purchase a new journal and pen. A new chapter is waiting to be written. I think I’ll call it, “Big School.”
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I think you did a very good job at capturing emotions, congrats on your placing!