New Beginnings

Well, here we are again, at the start of another school year. In September of  2011, I had a piece in the Ottawa Citizen entitled Education is a long road. It was written as a thank you to all the teachers, relatives and friends who helped us to raise our three children. In it I stated that "this school portion of our journey is over".

Well, it seems that I spoke too soon. Our youngest "child", Brendan, who has been working as a French to English translator for the last 3 years, has changed course. He has quit his office job to go back to the books. On Labour Day he started classes in a journalism degree at King’s College in Halifax. We’re very happy and excited for him.

King's College, Halifax

So we have been busy, helping with his big move. Personally, I think I deserve an award for the sheer amount of stuff I managed to cram into our car for the drive to Nova Scotia. It was an intense week of packing, driving and setting up but it’s all over now. We're back home.

So for Brendan and all students, this is the new year: a fresh start, new surroundings, new classes and new people.  Norah and Sean will also have a new person in their lives soon. Baby number two is due to arrive later this month. We're excited to meet him/her.

Parenthood is a heck of an adventure, with all kinds of unexpected twists and turns. Somewhere I read that it is a job that you gradually ease yourself out of, but really, you’re a parent for the rest of your life. Although we’ve been saying goodbye to Brendan off and on for the past ten years, ever since he went to Guelph, the goodbyes don’t get any easier. Don’t sign up for parenthood if you’re not ready for an emotional ride.

This morning on The Sunday Edition, host Michael Enright spoke about dropping his son off at school. I liked what he said about having kids and starting school being acts of optimism.

So here's to all the students, teachers and young families out there…a very happy new year to all!