A LONG TIME AGO

BY DAN MILLER
(originally posted May 26, 2005)

Nine months ago, I wrote an essay called "Bittersweet Enlightenment".
It's still here in the archives, if you'd like to read it.

That was the day my (then) 5 year old headed out for her first day of pre-first.
Well, this week she completes her school year.... begins lots of busy summer activities.... and then moves on to first grade.

It has indeed been a year of learning and enlightenment for her..... while, for her mother and me, a year of adapting.

We've adapted to getting up earlier.... going to bed earlier.... reading library books with big printing.... volunteering at school (mostly my wife).... attending school functions.... dealing with the sometimes traumatic necessity of quickly brushing a little girl's hair in the morning.... meeting other parents.... being so impressed with wonderful, dedicated teachers..... and enjoying the magic that school brings to a child's world.

I've been reminded again -- just as with my grown children -- that, to a child just starting school, there are 7 million "Wonders of the World", not just 7.

Nine months ago I predicted a rush of enlightenment for McKensie.
And it happened.... she's now pondering far more than Barney and Elmo.

A few weeks ago, riding in the car one night, McKensie and I had the following brief conversation.

McKensie: "Daddy, this is a long time ago, isn't it?"
Me: "What do you mean?"
McKensie: "I mean, someday, when I'm all grown up, today will be a long time ago."
Me: "You're right sweetie."

Then I added: "I hope someday you'll look back and say, 'Wow, that was a hundred wonderful years ago'!".

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