Next-To-First

Today was Skylar's penultimate day at her elementary school and her last with any semblance of routine. It made me think of her second day there, back in 2004, which was her first with any semblance of routine. As long ago as that was, I remember what it felt like to pick her up, happy-as-can-be, from the after-school program and realize that we'd made the right decision in sending her there.

Six years later, I still feel the same way. Despite the extent to which even the best schools in Arizona are underfunded, her elementary provided about as good an experience as it's possible to get while still submitting to the discipline of a large institution. She loves it. And so do her parents. That's why her recognition ceremony tomorrow -- sort of like a mini-graduation -- will make all of us a little sad. But the joy of watching Skylar exit on a high note will more than compensate for our feelings of melancholy.