today i attended a school assembly, at which our eldest received an end-of-year award on being a respectable and responsible young man, but which also included a graduation of students who i do not know, have never met, and besides attending the same school as my eldest, have absolutely no affiliation with. well, did i not have to choke back tears watching videos and hearing speeches about these wonderful young children. what business did i, a woman in her late thirties, in her luteal phase, have attending an assembly like this at this time? big mistake. HUGE. i had to excuse myself to wipe my eyes in the bathroom lest a parent ask “which is yours?” to which i would be forced to reply “none” (but at the same time, all of them).
but here I was, at this end of year assembly. the older, graduating class, entering hand-in-hand with the kindergarden class. both such major accomplishments. proud parents, smiles gleaming, as they walked down the aisle before us. i simply could not contain myself. i see my own children in every child, and although i was absolutely touched by my eldest receiving his award (he always makes us so proud) i was most surprised about how many emotions i felt during the grade 7 graduation ceremony. i remember that year in my life so vividly. surely it’s impossible it was so long ago? a girl was wearing a dress similar to the one i wore to my grade 8 graduation, which surely ages me.
i spent the morning at both my eldest’s school, and my middle’s pre-school. running back and forth trying to be present and attentive at each – which caused many tears for my youngest who was not up for the task. she has refused pre-school since dad has returned. i’m grateful she attended the 7 weeks he was away, but now, as she proclaims, she’s “too little” and has resumed her role of baby. i’ll allow it. (she napped on the paddle board this past tuesday instead of attending – how can i deny her that?)
speaking of- paddle boards. matt treated the family to a couple as his return-from-deployment present. we have been putting them to great use, and i suspect they will be a major player in our summer adventures this year.
and with those tears and feelings of immense nostalgia, the 2026 summer season has begun. the boys have one week of camp coming their way, we have a family camping trip planned (the first with all 5 of us, in a tent!) amd matt and i have our first solo-trip (to toronto to watch our favourite people say “i do”) … but other than that, i’m leaving the books open and hoping for daily adventures, relaxing and enjoying the beach, and learning more about this beautiful island with the kiddos. anyone else have anything planned these coming months?
wishing you all a happy and relaxing summer season!