My daughter graduates elementary school. So, why am I sad?

On the eve of the my daughter's elementary school graduation, I am reminded yet once again of how fast time goes.  Tomorrow's milestone marks the end of her six years in a familiar school setting where she has enjoyed and learned a great deal.  In just a few months, she'll begin three short years of middle school.  I wish there was something to make time slow down just a little bit so we can enjoy just a little while longer.

I remember sending her to kindergarten and marveling at how the teacher skillfully coordinated her students busy 4 hour routine. While her first grade teacher was a bit too passive, her second grade teacher was out of this world.  No doubt that she is Allison's favorite.  Third grade was fun and I started teaching Junior Achievement in her class.  She really blossomed in fourth and fifth grades and became a confident individual who is well liked and respected by her peers.  I was determined to be very involved in her last elementary school year and have been fortunate to have numerous opportunities as a class parent and Junior Achievement volunteer.  But, all good things come to an end whether we agree or not.

She has grown so much in her elementary school years and I am proud of all that she has accomplished and learned.  After being in the same school for the past three years, it will be a little strange to see my two children boarding different buses heading in different directions.

Tomorrow, she boards that elementary school bus just one more time.  I am sad that this milestone has come so quickly.  But, I'll be beaming at the same time as my daughter and her classmates celebrate the end of their elementary school career tomorrow.  Thank goodness my son will have three more years before he moves on.  At that time, I will be a mess.  Tomorrow is just practice.