By Eve Bell

The air changes in September, the energy in the air starts to fizz with anticipation of the year ahead. The changes it will bring.

Nothing quite marks this like the back to school photo session on the doorstep.

It is more than a photo.

It marks the passing of a summer gone. With the suntanned faces and sun bleached hair. It contains the remaining summer vibes and the holds the memories made in the smiling eyes.

Their smiles show the excitement of a fresh new year with with a hint of anticipation, thinking about the beginning of another school year to navigate with all its highs and lows.

Today is ten years since my first ever school run.

From 3 to 13.

From playing in the sand and learning your first letters.

To Spanish, Lord of the Flies and climate change.

They say that school is the best time of your life.

I disagree.

I loved school but being a mum of school age children has been the best time of my life.

I get to learn so much. As a lifelong learner, getting to do school twice with a different viewpoint is a treat.

I get to learn by watching and listening. To what is being said and not being said.

So as I take that photo on our doorstep, a lump forms in my throat and tears form in my eye.

As I think of how they have grown.

Of how I have grown.

With the passing of time.