“Faith-Filled Journey”
Dear Parents,
As we prepare for the beginning of a new learning year, "signs of the
season" begin to appear. No, we don't put up the trim the
"educational trees" or sing "back-to-school carols". We don't hang
"learning lights" and put inflatable pencils, notebooks, and lunch boxes
on the front lawn. What we do see are store windows displaying new
clothes, backpacks, and other school supplies; newspapers thick with ads
for school-related items; and our daily schedules changing from the hazy
lazy days of summer to the hectic pace of our school-day routines.
For a few weeks now, we have been planning for the 2004-2005 learning
year, developing ideas to help teach our children about their faith,
encourage and enrich their love of Jesus, and live as faithful
Christians within their parish, school, family, and community.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that, "We find delight in the beauty and
happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body."
And so, I share a story my friend, Mary Ann, shared with me...
Today Cathy will be going to Kindergarten.
Cathy is my youngest and I am feeling nostalgic. If I had the
courage to admit it, I'd say I'm feeling sad and a little scared.
Why am I feeling this way? I didn't feel sad when Renee', her
older sister, went to school. Why, I was excited and rejoiced
about her new freedom.
It seems like yesterday that Cathy was a quiet,
contented baby. She was always a real joy to have around.
She played quietly with her stuffed animals or our family dog. She
and the dog loved to hide together under the blanket tent I'd throw over
the big lounge chair.
Her life and mine would dramatically change now.
She would be part of the world out there. I would have a harder
time protecting her from the bumps and scrapes of life. I'm about
to awaken Cathy for her big day, but here she comes, all bright eyes and
smiles, dressed in her new plaid uniform and blouse. She gives me
a big hug as we say our good mornings.
"See Mom, I got dressed all by myself and even
brushed my hair." She proudly twirls a pirouette to show me.
"But I can't put this ribbon in my hair." As I tend to her hair
and ribbon, I am amazed at how efficient she is this particular morning.
I ask her once more, "Would you like me to walk you to school this first
day? I get the same answer as yesterday, "No, Mom, I can
find my way all by myself. Renee', Leslie and I walked to the
school yesterday.
As I finish her hair, I gently push her toward the
table. She quickly slides into her chair and attacks her
breakfast. "You can't leave before 7:30, so just slow down and
chew your food." In a few minutes she finished the last drop of
milk, and without prompting, goes off to brush her teeth. She
returns with her sweater. "Is it time to go now?"
"In about five minutes", I reply and venture for
the umpteenth time, "You're sure you don't want me to walk you to
school?"
"No Mom, I want to go alone."
"Is it time now," she asks hopping up and down.
With a sigh, I say, "Yes, dear."
I give her a big lingering hug, and off she races
out the front door. Standing at the top of the stairs I can watch
her through the window. She is running down the sidewalk.
Then suddenly she stops, turns and races back toward the house.
"Oh, no," I think, expecting to have to change out of slippers for a
walk to school after all.
The front door bangs open and up the stairs she
flies to throw her little arms around me and press her cheek to mine.
The long, tight hug ends as she turns her eyes up to mine and seriously
proclaims, "You'll be alright, Mom. I'll be home at noon."
Then off she dashes into her new world of school adventures, excited and
happy to be graduating from babyhood. My misty eyes follow her
progress to the end of our walk. She turns around again and waves
to me. I wave back and find I can now smile.
The lump in my chest has melted as I think about
her display of love. Yes, I will be all right as I go on to my own
adventures. This is my graduation day, too.
As you send your child off that first day of school and every day
thereafter, gift them with your special care and love, and sign their
foreheads with the sign of the cross, fortifying them with the spirit of
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
As always, I consider it my privilege to be here at St. Joseph School
and to serve you and your children as Principal.
Throughout the days of the coming year, it is my sincere wish and
prayer, that together, we realize the gift we are to one another and
especially to our children.
Visit us often and when you are able to volunteer to help in the many
activities we have at St. Joseph School. Our school children and
your own children will be enriched because you care. May God bless
our new learning year.
