CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON -- The Moral of the Story

“The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding

on.”

-- Havelock Ellis

Two weeks ago, Francesca, one of my nieces, started kindergarten. I

remember how monumental the first day of school was for both our

daughters, so I had been praying for her. I also remember how monumental

those days were for me as well, so I had also been praying for my brother

and sister-in-law.

If I close my eyes, I can still see both our girls all dressed and

ready for school, complete with big backpacks and big bows. They walked

into their classrooms with shining smiles and shiny saddle shoes.

I remember that some of the mothers were thrilled and were practically

skipping to their empty cars. But some of us wrestled with our emotions

as we stood and watched our children enter a world where we were no

longer in control.

I called Frances, my sister-in-law, and asked how she was doing.

Understandably she had mixed emotions.

“I’m really happy for her, but I’m definitely sad,” she said. “You

can’t go backwards.”

Frances left her daughter at school, then drove home and wrote in a

journal for Francesca to read someday. She wrote about how well the

morning had gone and about Francesca’s school and teacher. She also wrote

about some of her feelings.

“I’m sad because my baby girl whom I used to rock endlessly in the

rocking chair, singing to and holding for hours, has now taken one of

many major footsteps forward in growing up.”

She concluded the journal entry to Francesca that day with, “You are a

treasure and a blessing my child. I know and trust God to be with us

every step of the way through your footsteps of growing up.”

I called my niece that afternoon.

“What was your favorite thing about school Francesca?” I asked.

“Oh, everything, Aunt Cindy,” she answered.

I realized my question was too broad so I tried to be more specific.

“Did you like the other boys and girls.”

“Yes,” she said without hesitation.

“Did you like your teacher?”

“Yes,” she said again.

“Did you get to play games?”

“Yes,” she answered. But then there was a pause. “I liked everything

Aunt Cindy, but I guess my favorite thing was the Popsicles.”

Last week our daughters also started a new school year. It’s been a

long time since they were in kindergarten though.

When a little boy asked me what grades Amy and Kelly were in, I said,

“Well, I guess you could say they are in grades 14 and 16.”

“Wow,” he said, shaking his head. “They must have learned a lot.”

“Yes, they have,” I answered. “And so have we.”

I thought of Frances’ words. I have learned that I can trust God to be

with us every step of the way.

I talked to both our daughters after their first day at school. Like

Francesca, they enjoyed the other students and the teachers. I forgot to

ask if they played any games.

Like Frances, I also wrestled with mixed emotions as they left for

school. Then I thought of something Francesca said. Maybe it’s time for

me to have a Popsicle.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at o7

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.