It Wasn’t Supposed to End this Way

I remember that August day. My normally non-emotional self walked my kid into school for his first day of second grade and left in tears. He’s so independent. His friends were so happy to see him. Being reunited with last year’s teachers brought as much excitement, as the anticipation of meeting new ones. 

When I left, I wanted to call my mom. Is this how it feels? Is this what happens as kids grow up? I’m not ready.

But second grade proved to be as good as ever. We had great teachers; my son challenged himself academically and socially. We LOVED second grade!

Then came March. Gross. Just gross.

March brought so much change and uncertainty. Departures but no good-byes. Empty classrooms. Zoom meetings. Home schooling, for some. A new way of life.

But it wasn’t supposed to end this way.

Second grade was supposed to end with hugs from teachers, and summer plans with friends. Awards and report cards. Fun filled days with end of school activities. To say we’re heartbroken is an understatement. We never got to say good-bye.

August, please live up to your hype! I’m hoping for a bittersweet reunion filled with more hugs, love and laughs than the world an imagine. And maybe a few tears!

NOLA born and raised, Traci moved to Lafayette in 2005 to pursue a career in corporate marketing. She married her husband Ryan in 2010 and adopted her son, now 8, in 2016. Today, along with being a full time mom, she owns and operates a dog daycare, boarding and grooming facility in Lafayette. She and her husband maintain a part-time residence in NOLA, spending weekends "home" visiting family and friends. Avid sports fan, dog obsessed, wanna be distance runner (finishing just one half-marathon), and adoption enthusiast, she looks forward to adding "blog contributor" to her lists of accomplishments.