I love my daughter’s new school. Their regular communications and updates are superb. Dates for your diary, themes of the week, signs being learned, awards presented, after school class info, useful tips for parents, on how to assist their child’s development from home. All in a beautifully illustrated weekly newsletter.
I receive two emails per week plus email alerts, when they have updated my child’s online learning journal, with class observations. I can also use this same platform, to add photos from home. There is another online portal to pay for school meals and settle any other miscellaneous expenses. It’s been quite a learning curve.
The Summer Fayre, Sports Day and Annual Family Barn Dance, were all in the Summer Term agenda. We attended the Summer Fayre, as a family and our daughter took part in a dance class. I took our girl to her Sports Day/Teddy Bear Picnic so she could join her classmates in her first ever sports day.
It was nerve racking for me. There were couples, grandparents, groups of mums, that had forged friendships throughout the school year and little old me. I pushed through and my nerves didn’t show. My daughter and I took our spot, laid our picnic blanket out and settled alongside everyone else. We had Teddy the Teddy Bear and Mimi the Bunny and a lunchbox full of goodies. First activity was the hurdles. My little lass was in the Yellow Team, nervous and a little overwhelmed, she did brilliantly. The field was full of children trying their best, in front of a sea of proud parents, desperately trying to capture each moment on their mobile phones.
The sun shone all afternoon and each child was given a medal and certificate for participating. I was so proud and just thrilled to be there. I mingled with a few parents and did my best to stay out of their photos. Last thing anyone needs, is a perfect sporting moment captured, only to be obscured by some random mums ass!
After the cutest medal ceremony, it was time for lunch. Cheese sandwiches, juice cartons, fruit smoothies, scotch eggs and Quavers were in abundance on our blanket. I couldn’t help but look around and watch similar snacks being passed about. Parents were wielding matching blankets and cool bags, hummus was an obvious favourite and I didn’t even realise that Chickpea crisps were a thing! I felt no pressure. My anxiety of being the same as others was gone. We were all parents, feeling blessed, to be part of this special day. For some children, it was their first of many sports days.
I got to be there. I got to see my little girl shine on that field and run into my arms with her medal. I took all that in, like the air that I breathe. I pray I can watch next year and for many years to come. For now I had today and it was beautiful. I run alongside her, around her and with her. I’m keeping up with her and the teachers who guide her.
As I sit down with my laptop and look through the photos and videos uploaded by my girls school, as I add photos and experiences from home, contributing to her online journal; I am reminded of how precious these little things are. These moments I get to narrate, observe, record, show and experience.
It’s a busy schedule, that will only get more activity-packed as my daughter grows. I don’t know what my future holds and for how long I can keep up but for now I am doing just fine. I love it. I love being able to do it. I hope I don’t get complacent. I hope I never forget how lucky I am, to witness all these new experiences and adventures with her. At a time where my heart sinks, the moment I think of the future. I need to focus on what I have now. What I can do and am doing every day.
People are now making a conscious effort, to ‘be more present’ in their day to day lives. Appreciating the little things and the daily blessings, that we are surrounded by. Ignoring all the distractions and negativity. Putting their technology aside and being physically and emotionally in the moment. Embracing the simple pleasures of just being in the here and now. Not worrying about the possible struggles of the future, or dwelling on past hurt and pain. Remembering that all we have to handle right now, is this very moment.
At this very moment. I am ok. I have no idea how but I am. Each day brings a different emotion. When I think of next week, next month; I can feel the swell of my anxiety. For now, I am trying to keep it simple. Moment to moment. The here and now works. This moment, I can handle.