Dear Daycare:
I cannot believe tomorrow is the last time I will walk through your doors and pick up one of my kids. I have avoided thinking about this moment for the last few weeks — basically, as soon as I made the decision to take the plunge and pursue a new career opportunity. It’s been too painful.
I feel like this is one of those breakups that you know has to happen –- like when you and your high school boyfriend go off to different colleges and realize a long distance relationship isn’t going to work. While you know you have to break up, and that it’s for the best, you’re still incredibly sad and heartbroken about it.
That’s how I feel right now. Like it’s the end of an era. Because over the years, you have truly become part of our family, and it would be impossible to tell the story of Buddy’s or Mimi’s childhood without including you.
But I made a vow that Mimi’s last day — and our family’s last day — would be more of a happy celebration of our wonderful memories there, rather than a sad, guilt-ridden cryfest. It’s just serendipity that it also happens to be the school’s Halloween celebration, and everyone will be dressed up in costumes and in good spirits. So instead of tears, I am going to try and be brave and smile tomorrow.
I will think about the wonderful 6+ years we spent with you and how your staff took care of my children like they were their own –- loving them, supporting them, consoling them, kissing their boo-boos.
I will think about all that my children learned while they were there — and not just their ABCs and 123s, but also how to be a caring friend, how to play with others and how to explore their imaginations. I firmly believe the reason Buddy has blossomed in elementary school is because of the foundation he built during his five years with you.
I will think about how you were there with us every step of the way as Buddy grew from a crawling baby to a tow-headed toddler to an accident-prone preschooler to a smart and curious pre-K boy excited about starting school and learning.
I will think about how comfortable I felt leaving infant Mimi there, knowing she was in your care. I didn’t dissolve in tears in my car like I did the first time I dropped Buddy off. And I will remember how supportive and wonderful you were when we were dealing with some stressful feeding issues when Mimi was a year old. You didn’t blink an eye when I passed along some recommendations from the feeding specialist (which would be time consuming on your end, knowing you had other kids to tend to), and working together, Mimi overcame those issues and is not only a terrific eater, but is a chatty and thoughtful little girl who loves to come home singing the songs she learned in school.
As a working mom, it’s so easy to feel guilty or conflicted when you drop your child off in a rushed frenzy each morning. But I never once walked out those doors and felt concerned or worried about my children’s physical and emotional well-being or development. So thank you for that piece of mind; it’s meant more than you know.
We’ve been preparing Mimi for her new school, but I don’t think she really understands what’s going on or will know what’s happening when we walk out that door for the last time, her backpack bulging with all her artwork and leftover Pull-Ups and all the extra clothes I had stashed in her cubby . But there is one thing I am certain of: I know she will continue to thrive and grow as we continue on our journey because of you.
So, with much love, gratitude and appreciation, thank you.
Courtney Buteau says
Oomph, saying goodbye is probably one of the hardest things to do in life. That’s so great that you’ve had such a nurturing and warm environment for your children. You certainly can’t put a price tag on that. Best of luck to you and your family and def pack some tissues! 🙂
Jacqui says
That was so sweet I actually cried while I read it. This is the reason I refuse to move until Baby 2 is done with Daycare, I love the place we use!
Leah DeCesare - Mother's Circle says
What a beautiful tribute to your extended family! It’s a special thing in life when we find people who truly care and with whom you can feel so confident and comfortable! One of those bittersweet moments…
Chelley / AisForAdelaide says
Oh… you’re both sweet ladies on a new journey. Sending you lots of love and courage!
Marsha says
I just happened across your blog, and this post.
First, let me say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the wonderful things you said about our school, and your experience here. We all work very hard to be not just an educational center, but also truely a home away from home and to read your words describing us as “extended family” means so much!
Secondly, please know that “happy last days” are anything but happy for ANY of us and it is just as hard for us to let them go as it is for you to walk out the door that last time. Your whole family has been such a big part of our school, almost right from when we opened our doors, and we miss you, “Buddy”, “Mimi” and Dad! Even though this post is 9 months old, it STILL made me cry! I miss my “Buddy” hugs and hearing about all his new accomplishments when he’d come in to get his sister. And my little cuddle bug Mimi, so independent and so smart… Miss them both more than you know!
Lastly, I am so glad to hear that they continue to do well!!! Please tell them both that I said Hello and stop by to give me hugs when ever you’d like!!