Transitions

I know, I know, I must be off my rocker not writing a mother’s day article for May, but this is about an important part of motherhood, so I think that counts!

You know, when I hear the word transition, I tend to think of a slow, gradual move or shift into something new. I picture this old commercial for transition lenses that used to make me laugh. The person is wearing regular glasses and walks outdoors where they slowly change to sunglass lenses. I don’t get out much, obviously, because that image is still stuck in my mind!

However, the transitions I’ve experienced with Stanton haven’t been gradual at all, not really. When he walked, he walked. One day he was scooching along the living room floor and the next, boom! he was a walking machine. The move to preschool when I took on this job was not gradual. One day, we were together each and every moment; the next, he was gone for four hours of my day. It was terribly traumatic for me, not at all slow and gradual. But he was so happy about both of these big leaps in his growth. He loved being mobile and felt very much in control of his world with this new power of his. And Miss Dottie and Miss Georgia were his “cuddle buddies” that he loved tremendously. He also craved the interaction with these new peers. He could try out new words, trade toys and even learn how to recover from physical and emotional “owees” just by watching the other little humans in his room.
Now, at the end of this school year, he will be a FUMP graduate. There will not be a gradual move away from his beloved school and precious teachers and friends. One day, he’ll be in Miss Erin and Marla’s room with his best friends and the next, boom! his world will be completely different. And so will mine. So will mine. I cannot think about this leap into kindergarten away from his FUMP without crying, but not in front of him! For Stanton, there will be a moment or two of sadness and a touch of fear, but the overwhelming emotion will be of excitement about the new world of kindergarten and “big boy” pursuits. I am so pleased by all he has learned and how much he has grown. I would not have him stay behind or wish that his experiences here were any different at all. I am so pleased that he’s excited about his new school next year and seems to feel a certain sense of invincibleness about the whole process. For me, the change will be instant, but the letting go will definitely be gradual. It would be too difficult to shut that door and not look back. But, you know, God wouldn’t have our growth experiences be any other way either.
God loves to watch as we progress from one step to the next level of growth. I picture His pride in our making these leaps and stretches into the beings we were created by Him to be. However, there is also the wonderful assurance, that should we stumble, should we feel fear, that God is right there for us to fall into if the need arises. I don’t know God’s plan for me or for my precious child, but this I do know… “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) That gives me peace. Immediately.

Blessings to you,

Dr. Paula