Transition time---again

It was just a few seconds ago that I walked with my son through the halls of what would become his middle school, and now tonight, he'll be going to what will become his high school to gather more information about what courses to take next year.

I remember when he graduated from fifth grade how thrilled I was to be leaving that school and moving forward (notice how I say "I" was thrilled, because as a parent, where your child goes, you go!). His elementary school was a bit, oh how can I say this diplomatically, "precious." You know the kind, where the mothers are in a fashion competition with one another, where the children are spoiled beyond measure (except for the more normal kids who, like the rest of the world, aren't spoon fed from an unending trough of resources), and where the favoritism of certain teachers toward the children of the most involved parents (aka, the non-working mothers) is palpable.

His middle school is made up of a much greater variety of people, which is quite wonderful. But it is a very large school, and in middle school, teachers no longer hold students' hands. Sixth Grade was a challenge, balancing effort with what was expected, but Seventh and Eighth Grades have been incredibly positive. What I was often warned of as being a "tough school" has been anything but. Engaging and interested teachers, committed administration, well-balanced curriculum. Challenging, you bet, but enriching for my son beyond my greatest expectations.

And now high school looms.

I am so very glad that it is not I who will be entering Ninth Grade in the fall. Oh, how I remember my own experience as a high school Freshman. Glasses, braces, crazy skin, absolutely no self-esteem or sense of who I was (no, that's not fair--I knew who I was, I just hadn't come to realize that other people's opinions of me weren't as important as my own).

So as I walk with my son into his soon-to-be new school tonight, I will think of all of the firsts we've experienced since he first entered my world. And I will think of all of the many firsts to come. And I hope that I will always appreciate each one for the gift that it is.