It all started when Natalie went to preschool. She was 4. Tiny. But she loved school.
She loved the backpack that was nearly as big as she was. She loved to learn.
I remember her going to Kindergarten and I pulled a Joey from Full House and told her to act like Bullwinkle to make friends.
I remember when she started first grade and was not holding up one of those fancy signs when so many of her friends were because I cannot craft. So I just scribbled this sign.
I remember all her Disney Princess backpacks. She had so many of them.
I remember how sometimes she didn't want to pose for pics on the first day of school:
I remember when she was slightly mortified when I walked her to her fifth grade classroom but she allowed it because she could see it was important to me:
I remember being in disbelief when she started Middle School:
I remember the even bigger disbelief when she started High School (yes, she turned blonde for a while):
And now? Now. I can hardly believe that it's her last day of school. EVER. I won't be driving to the high school anymore. There will be no more programs and meet the teacher nights. It's just over. Done.
It stings a bit. Her school made the announcement on social media of the Homecoming theme for 2025 and I'm like, oh, it doesn't apply to Natalie anymore. School activities will continue without her. I should probably delete the page, but a part of me wants to hang on, to see what it's like.
That chapter is over. It is time for her to move on.
A new chapter is beginning.
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Wow I remember throughout the years of you writing about Natalie boy she’s changed a lot. Is she already accepted into college in the fall? If so what will she be majoring in? Will Natalie be moving into the college dorm in the fall just like Tommy did when he first started college. I also follow you on Tik Tok I am pianogirl58 on there. I am a music prodigy gifted amateur pianist hence the Tik Tok nickname. feel free to check out my piano videos on there.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see what you will write about in the coming months once Natalie starts college.
Not Bing Bong.... that choked me up!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe time goes by in a blink.
That sign - about you not crafting - that was too funny
What a beautiful and bittersweet milestone! It’s amazing how fast the years fly by. Wishing you and your family all the best in this next chapter—what a proud moment!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is a milestone too! Some wonderful memories to have. I had this with my son too
ReplyDeleteI so understand your feelings. I had one graduate this year and the other has one more year of high school.
ReplyDeleteWhat are her plans for the future?
ReplyDeleteIt can be so fun watching our kids grow up, but sad at the same time. It is unbelievable how quickly they can grow too. My youngest enters high school this fall and I'm so not ready for it.
ReplyDeleteit is a bittersweet time, but it's important to look ahead, to new beginnings. When an old chapter closes, great memories remain, whilst a new one opens.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to her on the big milestone!! My son is set to graduate next year. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my.. such a bittersweet time for sure. I went through this with my daughter last year for high school, and at the end of this school year a couple of weeks ago, I realized I no longer have any of those things to do..but then, now my son is graduating from college this year in two weeks :)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how fast it all flies by, from tiny backpacks to the last day of high school. Wishing Natalie all the best in her next chapter—you’ve raised a star!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Natalie! It feels like it flew by. My son is graduating this year and I can't believe it is happening. We still have a month of school left in NY!
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