A few short weeks ago, I embarked on what would be the first of a year of “lasts.”

I attended the last open house for my son, now a high school senior. Because he’s taking college classes, there was little for me to do. I simply signed up for the new parent portal system and paid my $10 to join the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization.

I cried as I drove home. It seems like he just started kindergarten last year, went to middle school last month, and started high school last week. While logic tells me this all transpired over the last dozen years, my heart tells me it’s happened much too quickly.

We’ve both learned a lot from his time in school. For parents who may be in the beginning or middle of this journey, here’s my unsolicited advice.

Be present for everything you can

As a mom w

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