Beginnings and Endings
Another of life's passages has occurred. After childcaring for four of the past five years, we are more or less done.
Not only that, but after having only JJ for most of the time in the past two years, he spent his last day alone with us today. We will look after both kids for some weeks this summer, but they will be with parents and other sitters more than us.
We're used to seeing Danica go off every day, but it was somewhat sad to contemplate our last few days with the little fella. Especially since he's such a good little fella. Once Danica's school year is done, we'll generally see them both or not at all. JJ will spend his last days in official daycare on Thursday and Friday and will be in the care of a sitter on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Danica will join him at home after Tuesday next week.
Yes, I did experience a few poignant moments this week, but in the end, I feel good about moving on to a new phase. After all, next year we will still get them on and off the school bus several times a week.
That's the Ending referred to in the title.
But there was also a Beginning today, for he went off to his future school for an hour of initiation.
He is pretty shy and withdrawn in new situations, and he was that today, but he joined in the circle as asked and went through how they open the day with a song and a prayer.
He looks somewhat lost and forlorn in the next photo.
They were then introduced to activity centres, and two senior kindergarten boys tried to take him under their wings, but he wasn't feeling the love.
Eventually the nice teacher got him engaged with cardboard blocks
There are extroverts, and this boy was happy to chat with JJ as they sat back down for storytime. It's nice when we introverts can latch onto the other type of human.
After storytime, they had a chance to play in the yard, and by that time he was doing quite well.
As he played I saw the room that will likely be his next year. It is a little drafty at the moment.
Then it was time to line up to go home. They are told that they are lining up properly if thy can see hair in front of their faces. He was doing fairly well by this point.
We weren't yet done our final day with JJ, but that's enough for one blog.
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ReplyDeleteAh John I'm feeling sad for you and Sue. The years go by so fast and they go from naps - bicycles - to school in an instant. He is so cute, and I'm sure he will make friends and fit in within a few days at most. You are so blessed to have them so close to you and John, those kids are so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents, xo
ReplyDeleteMemories are made of the time you and Sue have spent with the grandkids, John. And,they will continue but in a different way.
ReplyDeleteAwwww...the first six weeks of my entering the first grade, I would not speak...to Anyone. Not at home or school. Then one day the class was singing This Old Man and I began to sing along. They haven't been able to shut me up, since!Hahaa
ReplyDeleteA new journey is about to begin for you two.....
hughugs
Aww--another of life's transitions.
ReplyDeleteYou have been fortunate to have these days with him.
Such a cutie, and you two have been such wonderful grandparents to both of your grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteI spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up, and I look back very fondly on the time I spent with them, as will your own grandchildren.
A bittersweet day for JJ and Grampa.
ReplyDeleteI never went to kindergarten. But his day reminded me of my first day at University, alone and feeling strange.
hadn't realized he was there that much. blink and he'll be a teen.
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