You’re Going to Miss the School Bus!
For the past 11 years the school bus arrives at the bus stop 7:05 a.m. to bring our children to school.
It has not changed times or routes, so there should be no surprise that you need to be standing on the corner ready. Yet, I find myself every morning yelling, “the bus is coming, are you ready?” This was the challenge from kindergarten to junior year of high school.
Senior year, they were allowed to take their cars to school. So the screeching statement changed to “you’re going to be late, leave yourself enough time and don’t speed!”
Like most parents, I had to expand this statement with, “Do you have everything? Homework? Lunch? Make sure you put your seatbelt on and text me when you get there.”
Yet, I found myself driving to school with the same lunch/homework that I asked if she had with her. We had the “one oops clause” which meant one time I would drive to school with said item and after that one time, she was on your own.
I find myself in a position, with what I call empty-morning-syndrome.
My daughter is off to college and my routine of supervising and guiding her out the door is done.
There will be no more sitting by the window looking for the school bus or waiting for the one word text message “here” announcing her arrival at high school.
Maybe I should put an advertisement in our local paper, screeching mother willing to record motivational messages to get your child out the door and to the bus stop on time. Eleven years experience and have mastered that high pitch voice that is needed to be annoying yet effective.
The unfamiliar empty house and the quiet cup of coffee in the morning is a welcome change. Maybe it is my turn to be that woman who sits on the porch and waves to all the kids on the bus as it passes my house. If you see me out there, smile and wave.
The empty-morning-syndrome sneaks up on you fast and one day you may experience it too.
Jane Olinger
7:23 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
Hi Kathy--
Maybe you could find another "Empty-morning Parent" and start walking together. Company and exercise all in one! Jane
Wally Westfield
1:03 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
or perhaps you could do some volunteer work in a nearby urban area
Kathy Pigott
8:21 am on Saturday, September 1, 2012
Thank you for the great suggestion. Look for the empty-morning parent walking group, smile and wave!
GeneralPatton
3:20 pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012
Remembering how it was when my second one left 2 years ago-had the same kind of mornings with her that you had. I was alone for a year, got into a new (and not so bad at all! routine) and then, number one graduated and returned...she works so it's not the same but there are days where I think maybe that alone thing isn't so terrible. You will find your way...lots of things to explore, Good luck!
just me
3:56 pm on Saturday, September 1, 2012
It's an adjustment for certain but it is also pretty neat to watch her fly solo and put to good use all of the things that you've taught her over the years. As you find that your relationship with her begins to morph into one that is more like friends and less like mother/daughter. You'll know your parental job was well done. Of course, there is always that distinction but it seems to fade into the background. My daughter in now in her 30's and lives 2000 miles away but with computers and cell phones we are never out of touch. When we get together we enjoy every minute of shopping trips, pedicures/manicures, eating out and generalized pampering. We have a deeper mutual respect for one another. Enjoy your quiet mornings they are well deserved. Nothing better than not having to watch the clock. :)
marie
1:45 am on Sunday, September 2, 2012
You are very fortunate 23 years in woodbridge and my children never were able to get any bus but mine to close but to far, nj taxes at work! Or should i say woodbridge they would rather see kids cross extremely busy streets and save on buses! Glad to be done with that free public school transportation!
Lisa Ertle
2:21 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
Knit a scarf, bake something and bring it to an elderly neighbor, do a yoga routine, garden, read the rest of the Sunday New York Times...embrace this time (I envy you). I have always wanted to take some watercolor classes at the local art institute, but I can never find the time. How about opening up to something like that? You'll meet new people and have a hobby to pass the time. I know a wonderful person at my church who started doing watercolor later in life. Her paintings are so good now that they are auctioned off and sold at our church to raise money. One hangs on my living room wall and a reminder to me of what beautiful things can happen when we open up our minds to something new. Good luck!! Starting a blog says you're on your way!!!
Kathy Pigott
6:10 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
Thank you all for the inspirational words. I am excited to share new and fun adventures with all of you.
Stacie Bohr
8:06 am on Monday, September 3, 2012
I can relate to EVERY word you said, Kathy with the exception of the "empty morning" part. I have elementary, middle and high school age kids and do exactly the same thing every single day of the school year. I am fortunte that our bus stops right in front of my house so I get to see my kids, and our neighborhood kids, get on and off each day. I have first day of school and random pictures of the kids at the bus stop going through the years. While I complain, yell, give the three minute warning, etc....I wouldn't trade it for the world!
barbara
1:24 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Hi Kathy: Know exactly how you feel. I found myself waking up early enough to catch the bus even after my kids were in college. But this is a great time to get to do things for yourself, too. And you sound like someone who won't just sit around, so I think you'll be pleasantly surprised as how good "freedom" feels.
Kathy Pigott
4:47 pm on Thursday, September 6, 2012
Thank all for your great comments and suggestions. I took Jane's advise and joined an early morning walking group. We should be able to continue our walks until the weather gets cold.
gfg
9:03 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Halfway through your adventure, an island sits in the middle of the river that provides a good location for rest and lunch. From the island vantage point as well as paddling in general, several wildlife species may be visible. Be on the lookout for deer, squirrels and ducks. Thanks.
Regards,
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