The Preschool

A couple of weeks ago the girls graduated from The Preschool. We haven't spent much time thinking about it since because . . . well . . . it was a little emotional for Mama.

Thank goodness I'm their teacher. I'd been practicing the whole ceremony, seeing them in their caps and gowns, watching them look so grown up as they walk down the aisle humming "Pomp and Circumstance" thing for a couple of weeks.

And . . . it's more than a little frustrating trying to teach 5 year olds how to slowly walk down the aisle.

And then, stand still for a sweet forever.

And for cryin' out loud, don't whack the person beside you with your diploma.

I had plenty of exasperation and frustration to connect with when it was time for the performance of my lifetime ~ calmly and professionally greet them on stage with a handshake and a diploma while posing and smiling for the camera.

When all I really wanted to do was wrap my arms around them and scream "DON'T GROW ANY MORE!".

I had no time for tears or sentiment or the ugly cry. In the end, I was glad for all the aggravation of the 2 weeks of practice leading up to the big night. Whenever I felt the tears coming, I just thought about all the times I said, "Please keep your hands and your face to yourself."

Yes, I've said those exact words. More than once.

And the only way I got through without making a complete bumbling, crying, sobbing scene was to pretty much keep myself in a state of denial. And that night I knew that I considered it pure joy to face the trials of many kinds and that my faith had developed some perseverance. At least where 5 year olds were concerned.

It took every ounce of energy that has ever been drained from me while shopping with the 5 year olds for hideous clothes or shoes to keep me from thinking about the fact that they didn't want to wear the same dress that night.

And they wanted their hair down, not up, because it's their hair and they can wear it however they want.

And I HATE these ugly socks, why can't I just wear no socks? Why? WHHHYYYY!

They are growing up and becoming their own little person, complete with an opinion and the desire to express their opinion. They want to be in different classes next year in Kindergarten. They want to wear their hair differently and even sign up for different extra-curricular activities. They are precious, unique, special girls. Just like we prayed that they would be. I just didn't know it would happen so fast.