Sending your children off on the first day of Kindergarten is never easy. I don’t think it matters if it’s your first, fourth, only or last “baby”. Today was the first day of school in my district and my “baby” was going to Kindergarten. I worried that he would freak out at the bus stop when it was time to get on. After all, this was the same child who refused to go to preschool because he wouldn’t leave my side. The same child who insists on going grocery shopping with me every single time because he’ll “miss me too much” if he stays home with his dad. But there were no tears today, no last minute frantic hugs – not even a single glance back as he climbed aboard the big yellow bus with his new Met’s backpack and smelling of his father’s cologne (yes, he wanted to wear cologne!). He was ready.
Now I sit here in a quiet house with mixed emotions. This house has been so loud and so crazy all summer long with tons of kids in and out constantly. I’ve been desperate for some peace and quiet the last few weeks. I guess it’s true what they say – be careful what you wish for.
I’d like to share an article that was written many years ago by a wonderful journalist and newspaper editor who is sadly no longer with us. Mike Levine was the kind of talented journalist that other talented journalists aspire to become. Every year my local daily newspaper runs Mike’s column about the first day of school. For me, reading his words year after year have become part of the ritual. Today I’d like to share some of that ritual with all of you.
“Quick, before they leave this morning. Take a good look. Touch their faces, run your hands through their hair.
We got antsy with them last month, but now we want time to stand still. Like falling leaves and chilly mornings, some great force signals us today. We are aware of life passing…. ” http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090902/NEWS/909019984
Thanks for sharing that article, Kecia, it’s lovely.
ROFL! Who is he trying to impress 😉 ? Is there a cute neighbor girl?
I didn’t get to see his face once he boarded the bus because he sat on the other side. Maybe it was better that way since I was on the verge of crying anyway.
Julie – thanks for the tip but I think I might have to take the cologne away and hide it. Apparently he took it to school today and when he got off the bus this afternoon he reeked! LOL
Oh Kecia, even I’m almost teary reading this (even though I’m a day late..). I can’t believe your little guy is off to Kindergarten already! Oh, and he’s on to something…my godmother taught preschool and always loved the kids who smelled good a little more than the ones who didn’t, so I’ve always dabbed a little something on my babies when I sent them off. All their teachers have always adored them 😉
Aw. Did he even wave to you from the bus? What a sweetie that he wanted to smell like dad–easier than taking a lovey to school 😉 .