In 24 hours, Buddy will be done with second grade.
Second grade.
I mean, I remember parts of second grade more than 30 years later. When I close my eyes, I can still picture that classroom, with desks arranged in groups of four.
I remember the mean boy who stuck a worm down the back of my shirt.
I remember my cantankerous old teacher–my least favorite of all my elementary teachers–who harped on me all the time about my messy cursive handwriting (I still think of Mrs. Graziano when I can’t read my own writing).
I remember discovering Ramona Quimby books for the first time and how I fell in love with that character.
I remember playing jump rope and “kiss-and-tag” at recess (what were we thinking?!).
It’s kind of mind boggling to think Buddy may carry some of his second grade experiences to adulthood, just like I did. Will he remember the lessons he learned, or being in the same class with his best friend…and making some other really good friends along the way?
Will he remember the field trips? The snow days? How his dad came in to make a science presentation? How I surprised him on his birthday to read his favorite books to his class? His Heritage Day presentation?
So I asked him what he’ll miss most about second grade. His reply? “Everything, but especially my teachers.”
Really, as a parent, is there any better answer to that question?
Enjoy your second to last day of second grade, my boy.