There must have been some magic in that old gym

Friday was Kennan’s very last OAE Christmas sing-along. It’s a simple tradition; the last hour before winter break, the entire school packs into the old gym (kindergarteners in the front to 5th graders in the back) and they all sing along to classic Christmas carols while their music teacher plays piano.

The kids are so happy and excited for Christmas break, full of innocence as they sing their hearts out. It’s joyful Christmas magic. I love it.

I haven’t missed one in 10 years, since Keith started as a first grader in 2010. Even in the Crazy Mall Days (when I used to be the marketing manager at Mesa Mall, for new friends who may not know that me), it was always a priority to be there for my kid’s school Christmas parties, including the sing-along.

Friday was bittersweet … every time I looked across the gym at Kennan and his friends laughing and goofing around in the back with the big fifth-graders, my face melted into tears. I had to leave the gym three times to regain my composure.

After the sing-along, we headed back to the classroom where the kids had about 10 minutes before last bell. Kennan and his friends started a spontaneous conga line around the classroom. Luckily, Kennan is blessed with an amazing teacher who knows how important it is to let kids be kids and when to have fun.

The atmosphere was pure joy amid a bit of chaos, kids living in the moment!

The years have flown by too fast.

I’m not ready for my baby to trade Frosty the Snowman for middle school winter dance parties… or in Keith’s case, no fun, just finals.

But life doesn’t give you that choice, does it? There’s no pause, no rewind.

Was Kennan sad? Heck no. He’s ready. Ready for new adventures and to dance his way through life. And that’s all that really matters.

I’ll catch up, I’m sure. Better to jump in the conga line than sit on the sidelines and cry. I’ll catch up, oh yea. But first, let’s sing Frosty the Snowman just one more time, for good measure.

Thumpity, thump, thump,
Thumpity, thump, thump
Over the years we go!