Monday 31 January 2011

First year, last year

On 2 February, 1999 my gorgeous five-year old boy set off for his first year at school. Today he left for the first day of his last year at school, having just turned 17. Where have those 12 years gone???? I remember taking that first photo as if it were yesterday (pre-digital, Pentax K1000)

14 comments:

  1. Great contrast shots Sally.

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  2. They're fun when they're little, but so much cooler when they're 17 and you can get a better glimpse of who'll they be as adults.

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  3. *sighs happily*

    5 year olds are soooo gorgeous, full of cuddles and excitement. Then suddenly they are young adults, with hairy armpits and a need for driving lessons. As you said, the years pass in a flash.

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  4. He looks like he is still looking forward to school, which is a good thing. He looks much more polite and well mannered than a typical teenage boy. I found that my teenage boys turned into real people again at about age 20. Congratulations on having raised such a promising young man.

    The first day of school in late January or early February is the opposite season from the northern hemisphere, of course.

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  5. Dave,
    my sons were charming until they were about 17, truly horrible until they met their future wives and have been amazing people ever since. Thank goodness for love!

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  6. Then inside looking out and now outside looking in....Have a great year 12 Ben.

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  7. Fascinating comment above mine. I had not thought of it like that. Very perceptive, whoever you are!!

    Nice shots, Sally. Been there, done that. Still waiting for him to turn back into nice.

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  8. My daughter in her last year as well. I wish I had been clever enough to take pics.

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  9. Oh yes, how time flies Sally.

    Thanks for posting these two photos, both are wonderful in their own way. Whenever I feel sad about bygone years I tell myself that it would be so much worse if our kids, through accident, genetic disease or crippling illness, hadn't grown and flourished during that time, hadn't turned into the wonderful young people that they are.

    We are lucky indeed that they have changed so much. Each age is a joy, that has been my experience so far!

    Have a successful year 12 Ben!

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  10. Thanks everyone! True, Anon, though I did take one in the same position - looking out - but it wasn't as good.

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  11. Ben is all growed up! He's gone from an adorable child to a handsome young man. Good luck in your last year at school, Ben.

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  12. Sally, it looks like you have done a good job with this young man. I am impressed that he looks neat and sharp and happy. Here is hoping for the rest of his years and yours. They do change, but if the foundation was solid, they grown up just fine.

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  13. My Henry starts Kinder at the end of February. You've given me an excellent idea for a photographic essay.

    Oh, I love the shots. Fantastic!

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