Life Online

My younger daughter, Cassie, graduated from preschool tonight. While a preschool graduation doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, this really was a huge milestone for our family. Cassie had attended a private school/daycare part-time for the last 3 years. Tonight was the end of an era for our family.

For Cassie, it means moving from the school that she has known for 3 years and the “family” that has surrounded her there to a public school with all new friends and teachers. It means no more nap or snacks in the afternoon. It means getting up early every day of the week instead of 3 days. It also means more independence and structure.

For me, it is the last day that I make the choice to be a working mom with a child in daycare. This has been a huge struggle for me since I started sending my older daughter to a babysitter part-time when she was a year old. The guilt and the feeling of inadequacy have been a much heavier price for me than the money that it has cost to send them. Honestly, I’ve just been holding it all in and waiting for this day with all the patience I could muster.

As a surprise to their teachers, the kids performed “Landslide” tonight. I’ve never really thought much of the song before until I heard my five year old singing “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing, cause I’ve built my life around you. But time makes you bolder
Children get older, I’m getting older too.” She could have been singing about either her or me just as easily.

Here’s a little video the solo performance she gave for us when she got home. I’ve watched it 5 times now and cry everytime. This is one of those days that is going to stay in my heart forever.