‘Twas the night before school starts and all through the home,
The children were sleeping because I took their phones.

My kids and my spouse were all tucked into bed,
And I knew I should join them, but thoughts filled my head…

Had I signed all the forms and taught lock combinations?
Did my kids even have all their immunizations?

Were balances paid so that lunch could be bought?
I’m sure there’s a million things I forgot…

But then what to my wondering eyes should appear?
A blue backpack packed carefully up for the year.

My youngest, my baby who still (sorta) thinks I’m cool
Will be heading off to the world of the big middle school.

Her eyes, how they twinkled when she spoke of her locker,
She’s bold and she’s ready and nothing will stop her!

Her perfectly organized folders and binder
Show it’s time to leave elementary school behind her.

Then in my mind there arose such a clatter
I searched through my heart to see what was the matter;

Ah! My sweet baby boy who couldn’t stand me to leave him
Who’d peer around my leg with a death grip on my shin;

That kid who now has a voice deep and low
Is heading to high school and can’t wait to go!

He’ll soon be driving and off on his own…
Thank goodness he still needs me (to pay for his phone!).

As I drew in a breath and was turning around,
Another realization came and just knocked me down.

My eldest–the little boy who made me a mother
Was starting a year that would be like no other.

He’ll now be a senior, and I know he will thrive…
But it’ll be our last school year as a family of five.

I have to soak in each moment and tell him I’m proud,
Then hide in the car if I must cry out loud.

These changes make my heart swell with joy and with tears,
It’s hard to believe that we’ve spent all these years

Growing and learning, giving roots, giving wings…
All the love makes me smile…but letting go still stings;

But you can’t stop the changes, as much as you try;
The hours may drag on but the years sure do fly.

So tonight while I know they’re all safe in their own beds
I will smile and know I have nothing to dread.

I’ll prepare for the morning when the struggle will come
Of getting that picture of “back to school fun”.

‘TIll then I’ll rest, knowing they’re all snuggled in tight,
Happy first day of school, and to all (sniff sniff) a good night.