Let’s go back!

Warning….? This is one of those “where did the time go?!” posts….

Yesterday we took my son to high school orientation. It wasn’t until around the middle of the presentation that it hit me – my son has only four years of school left! He’ll be driving by this time next year, he’ll be working in only a couple of years. And then the Big One: he’ll be on his own in no time flat! I’m rather shocked that such a short time ago I was dreaming of the day both my sons will be able to drive themselves to and from their various practices after school, finally leaving me time to cook them a decent supper, to write, to rest….ah, what fun I had with those “alone time” fantasies, only to suddenly wonder – what the hey am I going to do with myself when they’ve moved on?! I’ve been a mama who taxis her children all over town each day for so long I hardly remember a time when I wasn’t – a mama that is.

When I scanned the list of courses my son has to choose from I was amazed – so many of these classes weren’t even thought of when I was in high school. Naturally all the activity surrounding the orientation led to distant memories of those four glorious years of my life, of those days when I drove myself to band practice each evening, (and carted my sisters too); when I joined the other girls on the flag and rifle corps at least twice a week in climbing out the window of an instrument room and riding to Hardee’s to grab a milkshake, arriving back in time for the next class with no one the wiser, (or so we believed); when I cruised town with those same friends; when I rode around the back streets with my boyfriend….and so many more joyous reminiscences!

I can’t help but wonder now: who was that girl? But wondering about such things can be a jolt to our emotions – I shook my head sharply, as if to shock it back to the present moment, and I watched my son as he listened intently to the Vice Principal speak of the many opportunities his high school career has to offer, I snapped a picture with my mind of the excited smile he beamed. And I imagined the fun he’s going to have as he explores the wonders of the next four years of his life, as he learns more and more about who he truly is and what he wants to do with his life, as he enjoys this time the same as I enjoyed that time in my own life. I couldn’t be more excited for him! And to my parents: Thank You So Much for not only allowing us girls to explore our interests in school, but also for doing everything in your power to make sure we could.

On the way home from the orientation a song from that bygone era came on the radio. (I realize I’m giving my age away here) – the song was Loverboy’s When It’s Over and I was instantly taken back to my first dance date as a sophomore in high school. That’s what was playing when my date asked me to dance. As it turned out he and I decided we’d be better off as just friends, rather than try a romantic relationship. And we were great friends throughout high school; then of course we lost touch, as most do. You know what’s coming I’m sure….I Googled him and discovered that he’s now a missionary in the medical field, with four children of his own. That doesn’t surprise me in the least. Anyway, these thoughts led to another great song: Kenny Chesney’s I Go Back – enjoy!

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