Helmses multiply everything by 4

Monday morning dawned, and hundreds of school children made their way to area schools for their first official day of class.

For most families, the day meant leaving little Johnny or Susie to a stranger's care for the first time. Tears were shed, and hugs were exchanged. An occassional "don't go!" was heard in the halls.

For Jeff and Teresa Helms of Gulf Breeze, all of the anxiety and anticipation of a new school year was multiplied by four. They escorted their quadruplets -- yes, I said quadruplets -- into Gulf Breeze Elementary School for the first time.

For mom, it especially was difficult.

"It was weird," Teresa said. "Most of the parents here today could drop their child off at their classroom, then go to their car and leave. My children were paired in two classrooms, and they went to their classrooms 10 minutes apart. Mira and Kendall went in their classroom first, then I had to stand in the hall 10 minutes before Alexandra and Zach went to their class. I had to repeat the first scene all over again. It was very emotional. I don't know if I could have made it if I had to do it four times."

The reality, too, set in that this scene would be repeated, in some form or fashion, year after year. The Helms quads, now precious 5- year-olds, will start intermediate, middle and high school all at once.

The scary part? These future 2021 graduates of Gulf Breeze High School will start college at the same time. As Teresa said Monday, "They will all fly out of the nest at once. What will I do then?"

I can't pretend to understand what it's like being the parent of quadruplets. But my guess, Teresa, is that you and Jeff will be the proudest parents in the world. As the kids head off to Florida or Florida State, you'll give each other a big ol' hug, cry a few tears and think:

"Remember that day in 2008 when we left the kids at GBES. Where did the time go? Where DID the time go?"