No “Back to School”

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I was shopping and back to school signs hung everywhere. Here in New York, students return next week. I miss the former life season of fresh notebooks and the beginning of fall sports. 

I knew I’d miss it when I was in it. I knew I’d miss the rhythm of a full house at the end of August. The routine and travel schedules. The swish of jerseys in the washer, the hum of school clothes in the dryer.

Each life season has its place. It’s been some years since my three graduated but each August-end brings me sweet memories.  

No back to school shopping
No new jeans and tees
No piles of papers
Burdening me

The shelves are in order
The drawers tidy clean
The calendar clear
Completely serene

Boy jumps in new sneakers
In the store I was at
Excited for sports in his
Baseball cap

I walk to my car
Mom and boy just ahead
Him clutching those sneakers
His hair all bed head

My smile grows wide
My eyes fill teary
My memories rise
Of when I was weary

From practices and lessons
And how busy we were
Field and rink games
The days were a blur

But today warms nostalgia
Of that season and my part
Raising three children
Forever my heart

Thank you for reading. Wishing you a wonderful final week of August!☀️

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28 responses to “No “Back to School””

  1. equipsblog Avatar

    The things we miss…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      There is always a memory attached to the life seasons📝✏️📓.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Tom Avatar

    I enjoyed the post, MLM! It brought back many memories. Way back in the day, we lived paycheck to paycheck and back-to-school shopping always “broke the bank.” Our youngest grandchild starts high school next week! Where did the time go?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      Yes, time relentlessly marches on! I don’t miss buying the expensive calculators and exactly proportioned binders!

      Like

  3. shoreacres Avatar

    I was lucky enough to grow up in a time and place when ‘back to school’ always was exciting: a looked-for event that made the end of summer bearable. No matter how I try, I’ve yet to adjust to schools that begin in mid-August. After Labor Day is the ‘right’ time!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      I agree! Down south where children return the first week of August in scorching heat is perplexing. Here in NY, it’s still after Labor Day. Thank you for the comments!

      Like

  4. Anne Mehrling Avatar

    Love that poem! It has been decades since my children went off to school. Maybe I was a bad mother, but I had no regrets. There were 11 years between the first and the last, so perhaps it just lasted a bit too long.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      Thank you! Yes, by then you were likely ready for a break and to begin new life adventures!

      Like

  5. Wakinguponthewrongsideof Avatar

    I always buy myself a September back to school item for myself. I always think of September as a time of renewal. I purchased new containers to better organize my desk and I’m very excited to freshen up and toss what isn’t working

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      I love this! September does carry that fresh beginning feel.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wakinguponthewrongsideof Avatar

        It’s like new years without the pressure

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

          You got it!

          Liked by 1 person

  6. JanBeek Avatar

    I feel those nostalgic feelings, too. Nicely expressed!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      Parenting lasts forever… we feel the heart of those moments years later💕

      Liked by 1 person

      1. JanBeek Avatar

        Yes, I do, too! And yes, parenting never stops! I’m so grateful for my 2 children, 7 grands and 7 greats❤️👍🏽

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

          💕

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Awakening Wonders Avatar

    What a gift to watch our children grow – a lovely memory to hold a lifetime!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      The time with them is for certain a gift!💛

      Like

  8. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

    It’s weird to be knee deep in the midst of those years, and suddenly, they’re forever gone.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      Right? I knew the full house wasn’t forever, yet it’s still mind-boggling that the season is past.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. At Sunnyside - Where Truth and Beauty Meet Avatar

    Sigh….yes. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      💕You can relate…

      Like

  10. lghiggins Avatar

    Beautiful and touching nostalgia!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      Thank you…I appreciate your kind words, Linda!💛

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Miriam Avatar

    Ah yes, I’m an empty nester too. 🥰

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      This week brings the feels!💕

      Like

  12. ortensia Avatar

    Beautiful words, beautiful feelings, beautifully expressed.
    I ll still be on those routine days for an other two years with my youngest one but this year dynamics will change completly because eldest one us also moving out to go to college and the emotions I’m going through are, I must say, totally unexpected. Excitement, worry, fear, love…..ah the role of parents!!!!!!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mid-Life Mama Avatar

      Exactly! It’s a rollercoaster with each stage of life. We’re happy but sad, excited for them but miss them. Being a parent is not for the weary!

      Liked by 1 person

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