End of School

The family trip to Rockhound State Park was immediately followed by the last week of school, with final exams for the eldest two Offspring, and grade-school graduation festivities for the youngest Offspring. Herself ran around like the proverbial headless chicken, valiantly attempting to accomplish all that needed to be done in a timely manner. I just tried to stay out of the way.

Rockhound itself was lovely. Quiet, spacious, easy access to simple hiking paths as well as slightly challenging trails, areas for bicycling, beautiful sunsets. Lizards aplenty. Herself's Beloved actually took a true break and did not open his computer or place any work-related phone calls for the entire weekend. The teenage Offspring, who had been significantly less than delighted about this particular destination, rose to the occasion and were pleasant and humorous. Offspring the third tried his hardest to be a good sport, as always. Herself had time with the family, and time alone hiking. It was good.

The last week of school was complex, as always.

Herself always feels somewhat fraught at the beginning and ending of school. She does not transition well. Routine and habit are important, and establishing or ending the customs of a particular school year was always tricky. There's a sense of unrest, of loss and uncertainty that pervades these days. Even though it has been eighteen years since she attended school, the sentiments are deep-rooted and arise as predictably as the changing of the seasons. While none of the Offspring has mentioned feeling similarly, Herself senses that they do, and she is patiently working to provide them with the bit of extra care and attention that they may need right now.

Now it is Done, and the Offspring will have some days of well-deserved rest before charging into summer activities. They are lying about, like lizards basking in the sun. Enjoy, Offspring, for these days are all too brief and pass all too quickly.