I feel like on the first day of the SOLSC, I should be writing something more introductory, but I've decided to begin with just a typical slice--here's to thirty more of them!
As I waited in my car for my daughter to emerge from her high school play rehearsal, one of my favorite teachers headed out of the building. I rolled down my window and we said hello. He asked how the other girls were, and then he said, "You must be ready for Cecily to start driving so you don't have to do this pick up thing anymore."
His words caught me by surprise. Maybe because she is small, maybe because she's my youngest of four, I don't think about the fact that Cecily will turn sixteen in May. That's soon. Yes, it takes a few months to get a license in Connecticut, but even still. That's soon.
"No," I said. "I'll miss it. Some of my favorite conversations happen with that little girl sitting in the passenger seat next to me."
He has two children who are much younger. He nodded. "I get it," he said.
Yep, I'll miss it.
Happy first day of slicing to all!
I loved those times in the car with my kids, either one on one with them or with a horde of their friends. This is a great example of a quick slice with a solid emotional core. Yep. I get it!
ReplyDeleteMy youngest just got his permit last week --in some ways that feels just as hard as the older heading to college in September! Both major milestones... enjoy those car rides.
ReplyDeleteClare
Our twins turn 16 in December. That seems too soon to me. Sounds like you've been through this before, so you know they need their wings. Here's to savoring every moment of your rides together, even when the license becomes official!
ReplyDeleteWe move so fast... so fast... Good to be back slicing Melanie.
ReplyDeleteBonnie
They grow up so fast ... much of my joy in Slicing is reliving these precious long-ago moments. Savor every one!
ReplyDeleteThese are the days that don't come back. You are smart to savor each one.
ReplyDeleteYour slice is perfect and right to the point. You inspire me to stay succinct and in the moment.
ReplyDeleteMaybe my goal for slicing this month should be to stay focused and short. You will be my mentor text!
Brought tears to my eyes, Melanie. It all goes so fast! I usually write something introductory on the first day, too. But this year it's a slice (with just a few sentences of introduction).
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ReplyDeleteOh, Melanie, you are right! I am the mother of two toddlers, and as of late, I seem to have a tough time with them growing up. Their first years of life have seemed to fly by, and I just want to hold on to them for dear life! I can only imagine how you are feeling with your youngest being on the cusp of driving. Happy slicing to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm always amused by the phrase "I bet you can't wait until..." especially in the context of children.
ReplyDeleteMine is almost 4 and while I can't wait for some of the things I know the future holds, I'm already forgetting some of the things that happened when he was an infant!
Time passes so quickly. I really enjoyed this post - it made me think of all the moments I should capture in my writing so I don't forget them!
This is such a sweet slice, Mel. I am quite confident you will miss it. This time -- with Cecily beside you in the passenger seat -- is fleeting.
ReplyDeleteThose days were so hectic, but I do miss those drives with my kids. Cherish these days, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteMelanie - as a mom of two daughters - 30 years old and 27 years old - I'm glad you still love being the driver. I so miss those side by side conversations as we traveled together. You don't realize how special those moments are until they are gone.
ReplyDeleteHappy slicing!