Every afternoon (unless it’s raining), Monday through Thursday, you can find me on the preschool playground, surrounded by a group of women. It’s been this way since the fall of 2011. Some years there were more of us, other years a few less. But we were always there.
We commiserate about parenting woes – children who won’t sleep, endless tantrums, and the early start of back-talk. We share heartfelt moments of parenting joys – the sweet things our kids have said, the victories over fruits and vegetables, a shy child standing up for themselves. We discuss life – what we want from it, what we’re not getting from it, all the trials and tribulations that come with having young children. These ladies have heard it all.
Damn, I’m going to miss them.
Sure we’ll stay in touch. We’ll organize Girl’s Night Outs and meet for coffee. We’ll try for the occasional play date on teacher work days and holidays. We may even try to get our kids on the same sports team. But it will be different. We will be different.
My mother once told me that the friends you make when your kids are young are ones that you’ll cherish forever. They hold a special place in your heart unlike many others. Now I understand what she meant.
A part of me grows teary when I think about Miss E headed off to elementary school in the fall. I miss the baby that she was, though I love the girl she is becoming. The end of preschool signifies a huge truth. I no longer have babies. A major phase of life is over.
But as nostalgic as I am for the moments of yesterday, it is not what makes me mournful in these final days. It is thoughts of my friends, these ladies whom I am so fond of.
Simply put, I love them. We’ve celebrated birthdays, both ours and the kids. We’ve eaten a metric ton of Chick Fil A. We’ve consumed a lot of wine. We’ve laughed, cried and laughed some more.
Through our friendship, we’ve helped each other navigate these paths of parenthood. I owe them a debt of gratitude. In fact, I owe them a hell of a lot more than that.
To my tribe, my squad, my dearest friends…thank you for all that you’ve brought to my life. I will carry you in my heart…always.
Damn you!! You made me cry! I AM SO SAD.. Beyond sad. This is just insane that this part of our life is over. I just cannot believe it! Much LOVE my friend!! xoxo
Aw. That’s the sweetest thing. I am a little bit jealous, if I’m being honest, because I never had that experience – so you’re so lucky! I’m sorry it’s ending and I hope you all maintain contact!
I am an emotional wreck and reading this just did me (further) in. I am with you…I’ll miss that safe part of my afternoons where I was with a tribe like no other and our kids played – and sometime argued – together. It was perfect. xoxo
I felt the same way last year when my twins left preschool. I knew k wouldn’t see my friends since I would be working full time now that they were in school full time. And while I love this new stage of life, I miss my friends and how easy it was to get together back then.
so sweet, and so true! I made some of my closest friends during preschool years. It’s hard to keep in touch… you have to work to make it happen. It’s SO worth it.