I remember the first time Jennifer started walking. She had been walking around tables, chairs, and anything else she could hold on to for several weeks. Though this was more than eight years ago, I remember everything about the way our furniture was situated, the exact look of the coffee table, even where everyone was sitting. We were just sitting around talking when Jennifer got to the edge of the coffee table. But rather than taking a turn like she usually did, she went straight--four steps straight for my husband's knee. Tim, the boys and I went crazy. "Did you see that?" "Yes I did." "Good girl Jennifer..." I am sure that I will remember this until the day I die. This is one of the many memories I have of seeing my daughter grow, learn, try new things, and stretch herself.
Some of the best memories I have raising my daughter was the first time she rode her bicycle without training wheels, the first time she said a prayer, and the first time she used the computer. There are few greater joys that a parent can experience than seeing their children grow up. My only regret is I didn't have the same chance with my two boys.
With the boys, I went back to work soon after they were born and others enjoyed their many firsts. By the time they started school, I worked second shift and I had already left for work by the time they returned home from school and they were asleep when I returned home each night. I missed them so much every week that weekends were spent trying to catch up on quality time. After so many years, I can now see that trying to squeeze in quality time with two children in only two days is impossible without loosing something along the way.
My daughter was born ten years after my second child was born and I decided right away that things would be different this time. I have only one chance to see her grow up. To be quite honest, I don't want someone else to have this joy. I also didn't want school to fall into that same category. It should be mine. Furthermore, I seriously doubt if any first grade teacher with twenty-five students in a class would enjoy seeing my child learn nearly as much as I would. I will not let school officials rob me of the experiences, they are mine to watch, enjoy, remember, and cherish.