Years ago, when my oldest son was in kindergarten, he would come home every day with tan bark in his shoes. After a long day at work I would come home and his shoes would be in the kitchen (not put away in the cubby like they should have been). I’d pick them up and sure enough, tan bark would be taking up lots of space in the shoes. I would take them outside and dump them out. This carried on every day during the school year. In fact, it carried on in first grade, second grade, third grade and even fourth grade. Less and less tan bark as the days and years went on, but still each day some tan bark would be dumped out.
He is now in fifth grade. He has been back to school for almost two months now and I have not seen any tan bark. I actually miss it, to be honest. You never know when your kids will do things for the last time.
I remember when he used to dress up as a super hero. He would battle villains only he could see, in a hallway or bedroom that needed to be defended. He used to bring out his stuffed animals and play music and put on a parade around the house. He always used to say “Dad, mom, look; look at me!” Nowadays the parade route is pretty quiet. The hallway is peaceful from evil doers and crime. My youngest son still does those things but it is not quite the same.
It’s crazy how one day it is the last time those things happen and we never know when that day is. Heartbreaking honestly. It’s like the saying “You never know when the last time you pick up and hold your child” they just grow in front of you day by day; and one day they’re just too big to lift and hold.
I have learned this lesson as I have gotten older (and watching my children grow as well). I remember when my oldest was born and the nurse said “enjoy this stage of his life because time flies by.” She was so right. During the time he was a newborn he needed myself and my wife for everything. Some days and nights, it was taxing and difficult but I truly loved everything about it and him. The diaper changing, late night feedings, baths and reading stories. Soon he would be a toddler and some things would go to the wayside. Potty training began and soon diapers were non-existent. From a toddler to child from a young child to a full-grown kid in kindergarten. When he was in kindergarten his teacher would have them make hats each Monday. It was my favorite thing when he would walk out of his classroom wearing the hat. The hat would feature “The Letter of the Week.” For example, if the Letter of the Week was “D” the hat would feature a D on it and pictures of things that started with that letter. I miss him at that age. My youngest son is in kindergarten but his class doesn’t do the hat thing.
I have been reminiscing a lot this past year. Looking back at various stages of their lives, and mine for that matter. One morning recently, I was getting my sons’ shoes ready for them before school. I grabbed my oldest son’s shoes and much to my surprise, found a little tan bark inside. It made my day.
Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.
