In our part of the world, middle of August is the time when students K-12th grade start back to school. Every year comes with chaos, excitement, a little bit of dread, and a new routine. But this year came with my first (and only) experience. I now have a senior in high school. August 13th was my sweet girl's last first day of high school.
Cue the waterworks!
Actually, I didn't shed too many tears...I didn't have time to! Leading up to the big day, Dotty and her friends were painting parking spots (whose idea was it to be on concrete in Texas in August...seriously way too hot for that!), painting senior jeans, painting car windows, painting, painting and more painting. And just about the time I was really happy the arts and crafts portion of her senior year was over, she was helping to organize the senior sunrise breakfast!
Have I mentioned before that I don't cook?!
So on Dotty's first day of school I was thoroughly worn out and she was ready and gone before the sun came up so I barely had a chance to grab a quick picture and a hug as she rushed out the door. It was probably for the best. I am not a big fan of crying or emotions in general (I am in counseling...its a work in progress.) So with the chaos of the days leading up to and the day of the actual event where my one and only child is having her LAST FIRST DAY...to say it was not what I expected would be an understatement.
But that is true in life too I think.
I had prepared for the big emotions, the need to want to "take to the bed" as Leanne Morgan would say, the wailing and gnashing of teeth, the anxiety, the depression...I was prepared for all of it. But if it came it was going about 100 mph and I missed it. I also didn't feel big feelings of joy or excitement either.
It ended up kind of being just a Wednesday.
I feel like that as we prepare for the holiday season at work. The overwhelming prep work is harder than the days we are actually in the thick of things.
Thinking about all we will need, might need, and hope to high heaven we don't need. Trying to guess what will be popular this year or what customers will want this holiday season. Setting up interviews for new staff. Trying to create a schedule where all shifts are covered. Prepping the warehouse and the retail area for the different stages that we know will take place as the season progresses. Trying to alleviate any potential disasters. Getting all the equipment checked (and rechecked.)
In our retail world we spend 8 months prepping for 2 months of retail frenzy followed by 2 months of recovery!
It feels a lot like prepping for your only child to go into senior year.
I spent almost 18 years getting ready for this event...it will last not even one full year...then I hope I can recover by the time she graduates college!
But just like with my daughter's senior year the memories made, the time spent, the moments captured, the long days and even longer nights...they are all worth it. Perhaps I have mentioned that Dotty is my only child (once or twice maybe) and so while I don't get a chance to do senior year again with a kid, I know that no matter how many opportunities any parent gets, we will never get it perfect.
Same with retail.
No matter how many seasons I have had under my belt, some stuff will still go wrong...but more things will go right. And like with my senior...I plan to just cherish the time. Before I know it, another holiday season will be over and we will be prepping for the next.
Tis the season!
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