Monday, August 30, 2010

First Day of School Traditions

I love traditions. One tradition that I started when Katie first went to pre-school was to take a first and last day of school picture. And this year was no different. Except that this year, even though today was the first day of school for both of my girls, I could only take a picture of Madeleine.



As I was taking the photo, it occurred to me that I wouldn't take any more first day of school pictures of Katie. And it made me feel a little nostalgic. A few hours later, I was checking my cell phone and look what I found...





Katie had taken a first day of school picture of herself and sent it to me as a text message! She had titled the photo "first day of school". Is that the sweetest thing ever? I honestly can't think of a time I've been more touched by a gesture. I spoke to her on the phone later in the day and told how much I appreciated it and how happy it made me. She said that she knew I would be feeling sad and that it would cheer me up. God, I love that girl!


Another first day of school tradition that I started about 8 years ago, is that I spend part of that day at the little beach on the bay in my town. Usually I take my trusty beach chair, a book and some lunch. I sit and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the beach (one of my favorite places to be) and I stroll along the water's edge. It's a quiet, peaceful and serene way to catch my breath after a hectic summer. I love the sense of renewal I feel whenever I am at the beach. Here are some photos from today:


















13 comments:

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Looks like a grand day. A day at the beach all by yourself. Much better mom. I used to meet friends at the bar for Bloody Mary's on the first day of school.

How different for you now and how sweet of Katie to think of this tradition. Enjoy your time with Madeleine.

MissKris said...

What wonderful tradtions. I especially love the day-to-yourself aspect of it. A time to relax, a time to reflect. School out here in the Northwest generally doesn't start until the day after Labor Day so our kids still have a week to go. It looks like you enjoyed your day, Pam...way to go, girl!

Star Forbis said...

I do the same thing with the first & last day of school pictures with each of my kids. And love that your daughter sent hers to you!

I also have my kids pictures taken with Santa every Year of their lives, they've teased me that they will be off on their own, or married & will have to send me pictures with Santa! I told them that would be my most favorite Christmas present of all! <3

Jo said...

This post brought tears to my eyes -- coming here and feeling your love as a Mom always makes me think of my own relationship with my daughter: fragile at best.

Tomorrow is her 24th birthday and I won't get to see her -- yet again.

Treasure your memories and take comfort and some measurment of peace with her text messages: your daughter is well on her way to becoming whomever she is meant to be and you played a big hand in that.

That she thinks of you as she does, speaks highly of you and your relationship.

Wonderful! :)

Peace and serenity,
~Jo
'The End Of The Rainbow: Life After Bankruptcy'

Unknown said...

Sounds like you had a great day. I think it's wonderful that Katie sent you the photo. It looks like she's adjusting -- yeah!

LindyLouMac said...

We had similar traditions with our girls and start of term photos. I like the beach idea, I now have the lake beach to enjoy but first days of term are long past.

Thankyou for your kind comments about 'News From Italy' much appreciated.

Sandy said...

Katie is always so thoughtful. What a beautiful thing for her to do.

Nice pictures at the beach!

Karen M. Peterson said...

It's SO sweet that Katie thought to send you a First Day picture!

And those beach pictures are lovely. I think I'll have to take my camera and head for the coast this weekend!

I hope that Hurricane Earl misses you!

Leah said...

This brought a smile to my face and tear to my eyes. I love that your daughter continued the tradition and sent you the photo. If that were me and my daughter, I would have cried with joy. I hope my daughter is as thoughtful and carries on our family traditions as well. She's only 3, so she does have some time!

Andrea said...

That is so sweet and touching that she did that for you. A special tradition, definitely. And those beach shots are SO relaxing. Ah, I esp. love the sunglasses shot!

Unknown said...

Madeleine looks beautiful, and Katie was so sweet to send you a picture.
I really like the beach idea. For years Kevin and I went out to breakfast on the first day of school, now Nick starts so late we didn't go this year.
Maybe I'll pick up a beach tradition.

Katie said...

Hi Mom :) I'm glad you liked it so much, I know how much it means to you. Anyway, I have a blog and I thought you might want to read it because I don't have time to call you very often but typing is quick! So, follow it if you want to & this way you'll feel more in the know :) xoxo

Gamma Sharon said...

What a wonderful day and a wonderful kid you raised to remember YOU on her first day of school!
And now she has a blog... how great is that!
You are loved!

 

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