Photos by Elizabeth Bernhardt
COMING HOME HOLLIE KAZSYNKSI A sweet season in my life came to an end not long ago. I had been at home with my kids for nine full years, and I decided to go back to teaching full time when my youngest started kindergarten last fall. All three of my kids are enrolled in the school where I teach, and I consider it a huge blessing to have them near me all day. However, I can’t lie and say that going back to work has been without its challenges. I may or may not have been found weeping, even sobbing in the morning while trying to put on mascara. My husband has tried to console me while I shrug my shoulders and say, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. But, now I have to redo my makeup!” I’ve found myself longing for little things that are simply no longer part of my life. There are no midmorning snuggles while watching Curious George. LOVE OF DIXIE MAGAZINE
I’m no longer scooting gloppy finger paintings to the end of the table so we can eat lunch. We’re no longer visiting the park in the afternoon for play dates and picnics. My best mom friends can no longer come over for coffee while our kids chatter and play together. I absolutely love my job that allows me to exercise my passion for teaching again. The people I work with are stellar, and I am so thankful for my school. But, how I have missed my sweet community of friends with little ones who walked alongside me as we tried to figure out this portion of life together. I heard a soft whisper the other day that said, “Summer is almost here,” and my spirit immediately lifted. While summer has its own busy agenda with travel, camps, and events, there are also days when no one knows what to do with their time. It’s sweltering hot, and we need a break from the pool. My natural instinct is to think of who I can invite to come over so I can feed them. I know a few mamas I can call. Summer is coming, and it feels like I’m coming home. I’ll watch Curious George with the kids, make room on the table for finger painting, and make a fabulous lunch for dear friends that we can eat while catching up on life.
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SUMMER 2019
