It's just too soon. I sat through my little boy's fifth grade graduation yesterday. Just 6 years ago, he was graduating from pre-k, and I had only shared his last name for a little over 10 months. I was amused and beaming with love for this five year old to start school. We were going to be in kindergarten at the same time at different schools and in obvious different roles. I was ready for that change. Fifth grade?! Middle school? How did this happen?
It's just too soon. Last week this time, we were celebrating my first born's pre-k graduation. Six years ago at her brother's I was praying for her. We had been trying to get pregnant for several months and it wasn't happening as instantly as I thought it would. And naturally, if it wasn't happening, something was wrong with me. I wanted to hold a baby in my arms so badly. It happened not too long after that, just the next month, I saw those two pink lines. Now, she's going to be loading up and heading to big school with me. She's still a baby. How can she be old enough for elementary school?
It's just too soon. I found out I'm switching grade levels this week. In my tenth year of teaching when I enter my classroom, it will be the seventh different one, and I'll be teaching a new grade level for the fifth time. The confident 30-something I am, will tell you I have a vast understanding of the K-5 curriculum, but the part of me that is constantly questioning if I'm doing all I can, if I'm reaching all the kids I should be, if I really should open up a bagel and coffee shop downtown is terrified that I just can't find my niche in this world. That for whatever reason, I'm just going to be bounced around until it's "right." Thing is, I thought it was right. I love my fourth grade teacher friends, I love fourth grade content, and it's the grade Dr. Cooper told me I was supposed to teach, and she was like some kind of guru of teacher placements. I'm sure I haven't failed at this, but for whatever reason, it's just not where I'm supposed to be at in the fall. And I'll do the best job I can wherever I am; it's just. too. soon.
It was probably too soon for me to throw this all out there, but that's just who I am. I'm not in denial about my babies growing up, I'm not angry about being asked to do something different. I just have to get used to a lot of new. Wednesday, I moved too soon and hit the car at the stoplight in front on me. The driver got out, rubbed my back and said, "Aw. Look it's going to be fine. I'm fine, you're fine. It's really okay." I'm taking those words to heart, even if it does feel just too soon.
