Abby and Ita
2009
I simply couldn’t write this yesterday. I was too sad.
Abby was a little bit wistful, carrying a brave face, and making the most of her last day at her beautiful school – St. Ita’s.
The tears welled up in my eyes as I farewelled her teacher first thing in the morning, and gave him his Christmas and End-of-Year gift. I came back for the End of Year Mass and handing over of the leadership candles from the Year 7s to the Year 6s – which my dear girl carried down the aisle, leading the procession – a bit braver, promising myself I wouldn’t cry for Abby’s sake. But the tears came again, and again, and again throughout the beautiful ceremony.
And when Mrs. Savage – a teacher whom has never even had Abby in her class – gave Abby a big hug, exclaiming “Oh my darling girl! Goodbye! I will miss you” that was the end of me. Mrs. Hutchins had to give me a hug.
However, despite its sadness, it was an incredibly affirming time with so many teachers and children and parents coming up to me to say goodbye and to tell me how much they loved Abby and would miss her. This reminded me of how much Abby has grown during her time at St. Ita’s. Their love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement has helped my girl find her strength and her voice. She will carry this inside her forever. Oh dear, I’m crying again. Such is why I couldn’t write this yesterday. I’m hopeless.
I’ll tell the rest with photos …
For the afternoon, Abby attended a pool party with all her friends from class – it was a wonderful way for her to finish the year and didn’t give her a chance to feel too sad – she was too busy having a marvellous time!
And me … well I thought about going shopping, heading down to Tangled Yarns and buying the yarn and pattern to make a gorgeous knitted linen tunic – but I am trying to be more frugal and to remember that the acquisition of stuff might make me feel good for a couple of hours, but then, that rush of euphoria will wear off and I will still having the same feelings carousing through my mind and body. So I went to the hairdressers instead. Hairdresser therapy.
We talked all afternoon, shared stories, anxieties, dreams and it was very good.
I even started some Christmas knitting.
11 comments
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Oh, your story made me cry here too. I think that you had a wonderful day! There are busy times both there and here. Have nice weekend!
ohhh YAY for hairdresser therapy!! I think it is the only time out this mama ever gets ;) You guys are holding up well considering all of these xmasy goodbyes you are doing!!
I’m getting all misty eyed just reading about her last day at school here, so I bet it can’t have been easy for you!
Love the photo at the hairdresser’s, knitting needle and all :-)
Oh, dear! Moving is so hard. Abby will be such an asset to her new school. They are so lucky to have her!
I’m sorry for the pain you two must go thru during this transition. On the up side, there’s no more “How many more days before we leave St. Ita’s?” to anticipate. It’s done, and the grieving at the event is finished, and now you can gently move forward. Wishing you a happier (smiling-thru-tears) weekend full of busy-ness to occupy your time!
A beautiful difficult ending. Thoughts and wishes are with all of you as you continue to move toward the move. Love the hairdresser photos! :-)
You have all my sympathy. Our lovely little school is closing at the end of next year, and I am already dreading saying goodbye. I envy your Tangled Yarns trip, though. I am longing to go in and get the Monday Morning Cardigan pattern.
Thinking of you and your family making this move and leaving, but you know everytime you leave somewhere you get the chance to return sometime.
I have been there leaving Germany and coming here and while I still get homesick, I know I can visit if it gets too bad.
quilting hugs
Christine
ps. think of all the new friends Abby will make
What wonderful memories you have to take with you. I am looking forward to having some ‘hairdresser therapy’ of my own on Friday!
don’t be sad – think of the lovely new memories you’ll have.
I have moved a few times while my kids were (still are) growing up. The goodbyes are never easy – yet there is always the excitement of moving someplace else and having new adventures. Big hugs to you, Lily.