Middle Schooler!

Today, my little boy finished the fourth grade and with it, his time at the Lower School.  He's been there for seven years.  When he started pre-school at the age of 3, I remember thinking that by the time he finished the 4th grade he'd be halfway to grown up.

Back then, such a milestone was unthinkable. I was just hoping he'd get through the day in one set of clothes.  His first backpack contained a Ninja Turtles lunch box and his green blankie for naps (naps he never did enjoy).  He proudly carried it himself when I walked him to class each morning.  Today, he spoke of those pre-K days, speaking into a microphone as more than 200 people listened.  He was poised and confident; well-spoken and just everything a mama could want.  His grandma and I were as proud as we could be.  We left school with a heavy binder and a backpack full of projects.  And he strode ahead of me as we left the building.

 Every corner of this school is familiar to him.  He feels at home here.  Protected and safe.  That is a blessing so enormous that I can hardly get my mind around it.  Eight years stand between this moment and graduation from this school in the 12th grade.  And today, as I mark the virtual half way point, I'm very aware of how quickly that time will pass.