This is Sam's last day at Junior School. Over the past few weeks, since finishing his SATs, he's been taking part in sporting tournaments, excelling in the school play, and visiting the High School for a transition day. This time last year, the idea of moving up to the big school was starting to fill him with some trepidation, but recently we've seen that change... like he's ready for it now, like he's outgrown his Junior School and has begun to see it as too small for him, too young.
Of course, he's 11 going on 16, so it's becoming increasingly difficult to know how he really feels about anything. He doesn't wear his heart on his sleeve anymore, like little kids do. He's starting to keep his thoughts and emotions inside, and you need a crowbar to get them out.
How do I feel about all this? The predictable blend of joy and melancholy. My little boy is growing up, becoming more independent, moving on in his life... and I want to celebrate that with him. But I also want him to stay little forever. For all the obvious reasons.
I'm reminded of the poem Walking Away by Cecil Day Lewis (yes, Daniel's dad). And, as always at times like this, I'm reminded of Brad Paisley's best song...
All the best Sam. You are going to dazzle those big school people.
ReplyDeleteI was filled with trepidation starting secondary school, so Sam is not alone. And as a teacher I always felt that way at the start of a new school year!
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