Back to School

I have this beautiful tin hanging in my kitchen.  It makes me smile each time I look at it.  I'm not sure you can quite read it but this was an actual Post magazine front page picture from Septemeber 1944.  The title of the picture is "Best Friends".

I am reminded when I look at this picture of my time as a child.  Although, I didn't ride a bus everyday to school, I had a dog that sent me off in the morning from home and greeted me afterschool.  This little poodle gave me great courage to walk into an empty house, as my Mom didn't arrive home from work until an hour or so later than me.  I remember, oh so well, Buffy's wonderful, happy greetings. I was the best thing since sliced bread. No matter what type of day I had, Buffy made me smile, made me feel good, happy and very welcomed to be home!  I remember the conversations I had with my sweet Buffy about my day.  She seemed to be able to help me sort everything out.

I think of the dog at the horse farm where I worked from the time I was 11 years old until I graduated from High School.  Gretchen, a most beautiful Golden Retriever, went with us everywhere...to the barn, on trail rides, swimming in the pond all through our wonderful summer days on the farm.  Wherever we went Gretchen went too.  What a happy life for a dog and a kid.

This picture also reminds me of my children getting on the bus everyday.  Our sweet Emma collie stood by them as they waited for the bus and watched them as they drove away down our road.  I wonder if my kids remember looking out the window at her watching them.  She never left her spot until the bus was out of sight and I almost always had to call her away.  We, my kids and I, had happy summers together with Emma collie.  I have to think she was a bit sad to see school start up and take her kids away.  Emma always seem to know when the bus was returning.  She would wait at the front door, telling me it was time to go greet the kids from the bus!  What a happy time and a precious memory.

I've always felt a little pang in my stomach when school started.  I remember the feelings of getting back to a routine and leaving behind my happy, carefree days of summer.  I remember feeling sad to have my kids return to school, no more swimming, 4H, playing with dogs and ponies.  I was one of those Moms who loved having my kids at home.

My kids, my students, that I have the privilege to teach are heading back to school.  Our scheduled classes are changing.

My son is off to college this year too.  All the way on the otherside of the country.  Some of my former students are also off to college. I find myself feeling that familiar pang in my stomach...  I can't help but miss them.

I wish them all a wonderful new year of school, of new friends, happy times and new challenges.  Challenges that will help them to grow and know how very strong and awesome they truly are!

I also hope they will remember their "Best Friends" they have left behind whether for a day or months at a time.  I pray that when they think of their "Best Friends" it will bring them a smile, make them feel good and make their hearts happy.

Happy Trails!!