A lot of kids mourned the end of summer, but I always loved when school started again. Maybe it was because I was good at school (you know–that goody-two-shoes who always screwed up the bell curve). I liked making lists, checking off tasks and having my hard work rewarded.
When I was little, I used to pretend that I was going down in the morning to meet the school bus. In my mind, buses were magical things that took you to meet your best friend in a place with an infinite number of books. But when I finally got to public elementary school, I had to walk there. I did meet a best friend, though—Betsy. We looked so much alike people thought we were sisters. And our birthdays were just days apart. We would listen to the radio for hours, read Mad Magazine, and talk about boys. Somewhere along the way I also learned about fractions, the rules of kickball, and how to make a book report diorama in a shoebox.
And so I advanced on to middle school, high school, college, and graduate school–and even did a stint teaching college myself. I enjoyed all the new beginnings, but found to my sorrow that regular life rarely pats you on the head in appreciation for your hard work. It just gives you more items to add to your list.
My diorama skills might be coming in handy, though. My son went off to kindergarten last week in New York City. His teacher is smart and friendly, and there are kids in his class that he knows from pre-K. He loves his new notebooks and markers, too. He’d like to replace his Diego backpack with a Spiderman one, and, although I understand the sentiment, I haven’t caved yet. And he is disappointed not to ride a school bus. I can’t tell him that there’s more to school then the ride there. He has to learn that for himself.
I’m with you on fall. I’ve never lost that “fall is a new beginning” feeling… And now, like you, I’ve sent my little boy off to kindergarten. Also, I was one of those kids who looked forward to school, little Honor Roll nerd that I was!
I love this time of year.
Ooh, me too! Me too! I love the back to school time of year. Yay! We get to start over again. Thanks for reminding me in your lovely post, Meredith.
That’s a sweet post. I agree–there’s something so promising about a bright autumn sky, the warmth of the harvest, the centuries-old celebrations that coincide with that, and the new beginnings of a school year. I walked to school! And back home for lunch. And back again. Lots of walking back then!
Six miles, we walked. In eight feet of snow, we walked. After we milked the cows and fed the chickens. With no shoes on our feet!
couldn’t resist …
That’s so funny, Eve! I did live on a farm when I was a kid. I can’t claim much snow (it was in Virginia), but we did have cows and chickens… I haven’t held that over my son yet. Guess I’ll save it for when he asks for his first car.
Oh my goodness, I thought I was the only person who thinks of fall as the beginning of a year! I guess doing something sixteen years in a row during your formative years will do that to you.
And ah yes, how could I forget school supply shopping? That was the best part of the whole thing!
Meredith, perhaps summer serves as the magical school bus that takes us to fall and a new year of lessons, experiences and opportunities — including all of your book debuts?!
Btw, should we begin a pool on what will come first — your young son’s discovery of all that school holds or a new backpack? 😉
Our debuts are certainly feeling quite magical right now! It’s great to have so many people come and welcome us here at the ball. And you’re right, Laramie, that backpack will probably come first!
Meredith, I also get that back-to-school excitement in the fall. I love that you reminded me!
I’m late commenting, but I loved this post, Meredith, and the back to school memories it brought back. I too, have always loved September–for me it will always feel like the start of a new year.