A Milestone Moment: The First School Year Without a First-Day Photo

 

Back in September 2015, I started what I thought would be a fun little ritual: snapping a “first-day-of-school” photo in front of our mudroom door. At the time, Everett was just three years old and proudly embarking on Junior Kindergarten, while his baby sister, Danika, was in the picture because she couldn't run away yet.

It became our tradition. Each year, before backpacks were slung over shoulders and scrambling to find the other running shoe, I’d pause the morning rush to capture that moment. I didn’t think much of it at the time, because it was just a photo. Plus, it isn't like the practice was unique, and that is proven by just going on Facebook or Instagram.  But now, looking back, those snapshots chart the story of two kids growing up before my eyes.

This year, though, the streak quietly ended. Everett caught a ride with his mom instead of walking to school with his sister, like he had for the past ten years. It wasn’t until after he left that I realized something was missing: there was no photo at the door.

In place of that picture, I’ve been holding onto one from this past summer in Quebec. It’s not technically a first-day photo, but it’s close enough to how they look now, and it still makes me pause in disbelief at how much they’ve grown.

Because here’s the milestone: today, Everett started high school. That feels almost as momentous as his very first day of Junior Kindergarten a decade ago. And today was also Danika’s first time heading off to school without her big brother by her side. She admitted it felt a little strange, but also gave her a small spark of independence—a reminder that she’s finding her own way, too.

I’d be lying if I said the missing photo didn’t make me nostalgic. But more than anything, I’m filled with pride. Pride for the kids Everett and Danika are becoming. Pride for the ways they’ve already tackled challenges and discovered who they are. And excitement for all the adventures this new school year will bring.

Traditions change. Kids grow up. And maybe the most important part isn’t the photo, but the chance to pause and recognize these milestones as they happen.