I sent S. back to school in January
the same day I ordered E's cap and gown
for high school graduation
The beginning of the end
to the first year of middle school
the beginning of the end
to the last year of high school
E's spring orchestra concert
that was cancelled twice
once for COVID
once for an ice storm
Is that the last time we'll watch him perform?
End of the year contemplation starts in April
not December
Calendars don't go in order around here
The beginning of the end of another school year
Did I do everything that needed to be done?
Is there anything I'm still missing?
Releasing E into the world, even though
he'll still be home for a while
the distance he's created to hang out
with friends one last time brings
the beginning of the end to his dependence
on us
S. turns 12 in June
The beginning of the end of 'tweenhood
We baked a cake on Sunday
at her request for us to spend time together
She cut the last slice in half for us to share
The beginning of endings continue
Ah, bittersweet. I really enjoyed the way you wove your repeated ‘The beginning of the end’ with small moments. As someone who’s had her share of beginnings of the ends, just know that after the end comes new beginnings:)
Yes, the pattern is constantly changing with kids, each end marks a new beginning and they will continue! Your poem and the repetition of lines holds it all together and it reads so well. I like the wistfulness.
I am loving the repetition of “the beginning of the end” in this Slice. There are so many instances of this in the teen years…but it’s also the beginning of your third act–post nesting. Exciting times for everyone ahead!
Nerds Beget Nerds 
I wrote about beginnings and ends yesterday. They can be tough milestones, but they are exciting all at the same time!
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Ah, bittersweet. I really enjoyed the way you wove your repeated ‘The beginning of the end’ with small moments. As someone who’s had her share of beginnings of the ends, just know that after the end comes new beginnings:)
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Definitely looking forward to new beginnings.
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Yes, the pattern is constantly changing with kids, each end marks a new beginning and they will continue! Your poem and the repetition of lines holds it all together and it reads so well. I like the wistfulness.
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Thank you!
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I am loving the repetition of “the beginning of the end” in this Slice. There are so many instances of this in the teen years…but it’s also the beginning of your third act–post nesting. Exciting times for everyone ahead!
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Yikes, post nesting! I need to start redecorating, lol! To top it off, my husband is semi-retiring. That’s going to be interesting…
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Love, love, love. This is beautifully written, so bittersweet.
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