How Can It Be?

'How Can It Be?' is the question I ask every year on the first day of school. How can it be that my babies are heading off to another first day of another year of school? How can it be that same babies are driving themselves today? How can it be that this is the final first day of school for one of my babies?

This day is bittersweet every year, as evidenced by my tears as my babies walk out the door. While I am happy about their becoming young ladies with bright futures, I am also saddened by their growing independence and imminent taking leave from our family home. I know most parents experience this same internal conflict about watching their children become the people we have always hoped they would become.

As I go through my day, it will brighten. I'll dry my tears. I'll allow the silence to bring peace and mindfulness. I'll tend to my work that has been awaiting my undivided attention. I'll take a long walk to awaken my physical and mental spirit. I'll pause to give gratitude. And as I begin to feel all is well again, it will be time for my babies to return home, and it will be so. My babies will share stories about their day, and we'll cherish our time together. Soon our thoughts will turn to tomorrow, when they will go off again, and we will all live our lives, as intended.

How can it be? It is as it should be. Be joyful.