Oh, the Places You Will Go!

My mother always got a little melancholy every year in mid to late August.  Since I worked at a school for twenty-six years, and was caught up in the process of a new school year beginning, I never quite understood why.  Until now. 

My granddaughter, Madi, and my great-nephew, RJ, will be starting their first day of "big school" in a few short weeks.  That day all mothers, grandmothers, (and great-aunts) dread, when children loosen their grip on your hand...both literally, and figuratively. 

The reality of it hit me Friday night when Blues Clues came on Nick Jr.  About four years ago, Blues Clues was my re-introduction to children's TV shows after a long hiatus.  It is a simple, low key, educational show for preschoolers, and Madi loved it.  Friday night Madi informed me, "Laney, Blues Clues is for babies".  What?  No more Blues Clues.  She's no longer a baby, but a "big girl"--starting kindergarten.

Sure, there's the excitement of buying new school clothes, back packs, crayons, pencils, and lunchboxes.  And let's not forget the product that was never on my kids' list...hand sanitizer.  Can you believe we actually survived all those years without it?  Then, there is usually a week or so in August, a teaser of sorts, when the weather cools just a bit.  My mom always recognized it--the end of summer and the start of school "blues clue", signaling that sad empty kind of feeling you get when you know you are about to lose something precious.

When the grands stay overnight, our bedtime ritual consists of reading several Dr. Seuss books.  We laugh and laugh at the author's silliness.  Oh, I dread the day Madi, Max, or Colson tell me that Dr. Seuss is for babies.  His symbolism in "Oh, The Places You Will Go" isn't lost on me.  I won't be reading it to the grand "babies" anytime soon.  A box of tissues would be needed.  The first time I heard it read was at my oldest son's high school graduation.  Here's an excerpt from the book:

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss

"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
...........

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And
you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll
decide where to go."
........
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
So be your name Buxbaum or Bixby
or Brayor Modecai Ale Van Allen O' Shea

You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"

My ending added:

But wait...hold my hand,
You know in my mind,
Just babes, you are still,
Please..don't leave me behind!

Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney