First Day of School| Charleston Children's Portraits
Off to School: Children’s Portraits
“Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as they gaze”
I would be a complete liar if I said I wasn’t absolutely falling apart today. I’ve remained strong up until now. I’ve focused on preparation and advocacy. Today all of that ended as my girls left my side to return to in-person school. E has been with me during COVID having the last half year of Kinder and all of 1st grade be a homeschool year. L has never been away from me for a school experience. She’s never been away from me without being with a family member for more than a couple of hours. For 4.5 years my life has cyclically flowed with that small person, full devotion, following each others needs. It feels like I’ve lost my shadow.
Both girls gave us kisses and walked into the building without so much as a look back. I was proud of their strength and excitement. I could see that this past year and a half hasn’t done any damage to them psychologically like people keep trying to warn (get kids back in school and such). They both showed they are well-adjusted and independent kiddos. I held back the tears until they were in the building.
COVID has been a devastation for all of us. BUT if I look for the silver lining…what an amazing opportunity it afforded me with my girls. We cocooned into our own little space. I NEVER would have had an opportunity to be with them like it forced upon us. Was it hard? Absolutely. Did I cry and beg to be released from the confines of them and their rivalry? Daily. Did we create some unforgettable memories and new traditions? Without a doubt. I think my children are leaving this experience more well rounded, more secure in their love with their mother, and more ready to take on the world.
I was able to convince them to let me take some portraits yesterday to commemorate this big day. Consider these our first day of school portraits.
E (2nd grade) wants to be famous in any capacity she can achieve it but primarily for horseback riding or dancing. L (k4) wants to do whatever E does so she parrots her ambition with her sisters.
Good luck, my darling girls. Never quit dreaming. Never quit trying. Never quit loving.
“‘Cause every night I lie in bed
The brightest colours fill my head
A million dreams are keeping me awake
I think of what the world could be
A vision of the one I see
A million dreams is all it’s gonna take
Oh a million dreams for the world we’re gonna make”
