The Last of My beginning Readers

As I sat beside Brit today and listened to her read, memories came flooding back.

I couldn't help but think of walking through this very same process with each of my other four children.

Every one of them learned differently. Some caught on quickly, while for others the process was a little more challenging. I remember the look of frustration that would appear as they tried to decode those unfamiliar letters and blend together sounds that didn't quite make sense yet.

Then came the reward.

I'd watch their little faces light up as they finally figured out the word, and I'd hear the excitement in their voices as they proudly blurted it out.

Reading time became both humorous and entertaining as they discovered punctuation. I loved watching them grasp the meaning of an exclamation point and hearing their voices suddenly become animated with excitement.

Today, as Brit read aloud, I watched all those familiar expressions come to life once again. It was now her turn to learn how to put those phonograms to use.

As I listened, it suddenly struck me...

This is the last time.

Brit is the last of my five children to become a beginning reader.

I found myself listening more carefully than ever before, soaking in every word, every pause, every little expression. I wanted to freeze time, knowing this sweet season would soon be gone forever.

I know how easy it is to get swept back into the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

But today, I chose something different.

Today, I stopped.

I listened.

I photographed.

And I quietly treasured one of the last "firsts" of motherhood.