Sep

First Day of School

John Lennon said it best, “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”

What a wise person. I didn’t know how my six-year old was going to fair in her third new school in three years; but she didn’t disappoint my ex-wife or me. She jumped out of the car and ran into the school – when we dropped her off – like a bullet. I was impressed. When I spoke with her upon returning home she was elated with a hefty smile on her face, as usual. She told me about her new teacher, her new friends, her new school and her new classroom. I was both relieved and happy for her and our family.

Yesterday was my daughter’s first day of school and she just entered the first grade. Not only is it her first day, but it is also her first day in a new school as well. When I was younger I moved around quite a bit. I don’t remember much because I grew up in the same house since I was nine years old and attended the same school system since I was eight. From my birth to seven my mom moved around quite a bit. I never wanted a nomadic lifestyle for my family. I wanted my children to grow up going through the same school system; not so much the same school system I did, but a consistent environment so they could make life-long friends and skip the awkward “new kid” experience. Although, just like Lennon said, life happened while I was making plans.

But children are resilient and adapt quicker than my memory serves me. I failed to remember how tremendously well she handled our divorce at four years old; how she always kept her smile; held her one-year old sister tight and showed her love; and most importantly never complained to my ex-wife and me about the separation, child custody, why I moved away or why she suddenly moved in with me and couldn’t see her mom everyday ten months ago. I have two special children and I thank God each day for the privilege bestowed upon me. I am truly blessed; I get to be called, daddy, by my two little ladies every waking moment of their lives. If this is the life happening to me while I continue to make plans, then, let it be.

Have an amazing day and God Bless.