Fayette-Mom: Preschool goodbyes

This month marks the end of an era for me as a mom, and I must admit, I’m having a hard time letting go.

My five-year-old son is in his last weeks at preschool. We just participated in our last Easter Egg hunt and Mother’s Day Tea. Soon, it will be the last Water Day, the final Pizza Day, and alas, Graduation.

The lump in my throat started forming around Christmas as it dawned on me that we were on a year-long tour of farewells. And while I certainly didn’t mind skipping the registration fees for next year’s classes, I got a little misty-eyed when I realized the sign-up tables were not meant for me. My child would no longer be a preschooler.

I can’t really put into words how much preschool has meant to my kids and, almost as important, to me as a mother. Yes, my children learned their letters and numbers, but I learned so much more. The advice I’ve gotten from the teachers has seen me through the challenges, and the fellowship I’ve enjoyed with the other moms has truly been a lifeline. Big-kid school? It’s just not the same.

Eli is more than ready to start kindergarten. Ever since Beginner’s Day a few weeks ago, all he can talk about is learning to read and getting to ride the bus. I know this is the way things are supposed to go, and he couldn’t be more prepared. I just wish my heart felt ready.

I didn’t go through this when my daughter graduated preschool. I knew I still had years of Thanksgiving Feasts and Cookies and Carols events ahead of me with Eli. Now I can’t believe how fast those years have gone by — I blinked, and now my boy is done.

I know there are plenty of fun things still ahead, and I look forward to all the “Kindergarten firsts” we’ll have next year. But if you see me looking a little melancholy this month, you’ll understand. It’s time to say goodbye to preschool, whether this mom is ready or not.