5 Year Old Role Models

As I think about today, this first day of school for my kids, I feel completely overwhelmed and excited about so many different things.   My little one, Chloe, went off to kindergarten today.  I put her on the afternoon bus.  After we took the must-have "getting on the bus" photo, I kissed her goodbye and she whispered, "Will you follow me?".  So, I got into my car and followed the bus to school, which was a 45 minute ride!  As I was following the bus my emotions got the better of me.  I felt so proud of Chloe for the courage to step onto that bus, and for the courage to ask me to follow her to school.  It then occurred to me that my little girl will have to muster up this courage again when we bring her to her new school in Canberra.  A foreign place where the land and animals won't look the same and the teachers and kids won't sound familiar. 

I am finding my own strength and courage these days.  A lot of things are changing for me.  Leaving a job that I loved where I worked with so many wonderful people, many of whom I call "friend", has been difficult.  I left one (paying) job, just to start another (non-paying): organizing, donating and packing specialist.  This is short-term - thank God.  But, I've had little time to enjoy a few days off. 

Its been a month-long of good-byes.  I visited my mother and saw my four siblings in early August.  What a great day at camp we had.  You'd think we all saw each other on a more regular basis.  I am so fortunate to have a sister who is my best friend and three generous, fun and loving brothers.  Saying good-bye to my mother was just heartbreaking!  I love her dearly and feel bad that I am making her so sad.  At the end of the month, we had a visit from my dad and his wife.  It was such a nice visit!  We'll see my husband's family in the coming days.  I am dreading those good-byes already!

I expect I'll steal another moment when I am alone to "let myself go".  And, that's okay.  After that ugly moment I came home and packed our UAB!  Now, that's progress.

I know in my heart that Chlo-bear will find her courage again and again.  She's an amazing little girl, with a big heart, a healthy imagination, and more energy than the energizer bunny!  She certainly motivates me to do more and be better!  I love her and her big sister, Anabella, more than anything.