The First First Day of School

Remember the first day of school? I loved it. I was always excited to return to the social structure and the extra curricular activities. Class attendance was simply the toll I paid to participate in the rest of it. I never struggled with shyness or apprehension about new experiences. I relished them.

This first day of school is different. Hutton and Reagan return to Midland Christian. Lee Ann begins a new job as school nurse at MCS. But the joy of these new beginnings has in many ways been stolen. Connor isn't starting the 8th grade today. He's not going to football practice or charming his teachers or goofing around with his buddies.

With each new first this year comes an acute awareness of what, and more specifically whom is missing.

Bailey embarks on her college journey today too. I know what it's like to be the little brother watching older siblings go off to college. I know how excited Connor was for Bailey and how proud he was of her. I also imagine that even those positive memories sting today.

One of the highlights of my freshman year was the birth of my sisters oldest child. That's right, that little girl asleep on that good looking young man's chest is now in college. Bailey was born in January of my first year of school.

I'm thankful today for the Midland Christian and ACU communities. A difficult first first day will be made easier because my family is surrounded by loving, praying people.