Seasons of change

Back-to-school brings many changes and it brings many celebrated tradtions. We always walk our children to the school bus on the first day of school. We started this tradition with our kids on their very first day in kindergarten. Annual first day of school photos capture the event.

This year, our oldest went off to college. It has brought on a whirlwind of emotions for the whole family. I am happy and proud of our daughter's acheivements. And, I am sad for the speed in which time passes and how many season's have changed before our eyes. It was only yesterday that she started school. Now she was packed up and off to live in another state. It was the first time I did not walk her to the school bus.

My eight grader --- a strong, athletic boy --- was running around the house. Picking up items he forgot to put in his backpack. I made a pot of coffee and waited at the front door. I was holding his bagged lunch because... this year...he wanted to make his own lunches instead of buying them in school. I was hesitant, too, because I did not know what to expect. Eight grade is tough for boys. Would I be walking him to the bus?

He stumbled down the stairs, past me in a flash and was out the door. My heart sank. Then, he turned and said, "come on Mom. Grab the camera, too." My heart jumped and off to the bus stop we ran --- camera in tow.

As we chatted with neighbors and took the traditional first day of school pictures, a mother bear and her three cubs sauntered by on a nearby lawn. The cubs wrestled and tumbled behind her as she made her way into the woods. This path, was well worn for her. Her cubs had only begun the journey.

Season's may come and go, but back-to-school is a wonderful celebration of growth & change.