I made his first day of school crown.
I let him have his favorite breakfast.
I smiled brightly at his excitement while keeping one eye on the clock.
And then, I handed him his new shirt and shorts, helped him with his shoes and saw him grow before my eyes.
I walked him into his classroom, our hands tightly clasped. I helped him find his name on a cubby and deposit his lunch box.
Then, a strange woman clapped her hands briskly and said, "The parents need to leave now!"
I looked at this woman - someone who will be so important in Joseph's life - and felt fear shoot through me. I hadn't interviewed her. I had not watched her conduct a class. I don't know her first name. And yet, I'm expected to hand her my child and walk away.
Because that's what we do.
Joseph leaned into me, his hand squeezing mine a little tighter.
"Can you stay for a little bit?" he asked in a quiet voice.
"No, baby. But I can give you an extra hug and kiss." I leaned down and pulled him into my arms. I let go and watched him hug Chad and then Elizabeth. He walked back to me and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Come on Joseph!" Mrs. Y, reaching her hand towards him.
Joseph let go and then, walking stiffly, made his way to the activity mat.
And I turned away.
Because I knew it would be better not to let him see me cry.
17 comments:
Oh my word those photos tell your story. He looks so big all dressed and ready to go to his first day of kinder!
I was right there with you, only it was last Wednesday and I was taking my girl to her first day of kinder and she's my last baby that I'm taking to her first day of school. Even though she was content to just give me a wave good-bye, I had to go back for just one more hug this morning. Sigh.
It's a brand new world, Mama. I wish you & Joseph the best in it!!! :>
Thank you so much for linking up to the Back to School Traditions link up!I dread the walking away! A crown is an awesome idea. I love this post!
Ah! I can feel it and am almost crying myself! I totally boohooed when I dropped Hayden off for this first day of preschool last year, and I know kindergarten will be even harder.
Well you got some tears from Auntie Rachel! Way to go Joe!!
great tradition! picture card with the date! & the crown - how cool is that!
I know how hard it is to let them go! I've visited Allie's class on the 5th day of school & the parents are still having a difficult time leaving the kids at the door! But, I'm sure Joseph has a caring teacher... kinder teachers are a "special breed" & my experience has been that 98% of them are the "frosting on a cupcake"... I hope Joseph enjoyed his day!
oh last year, i saw my kid wipe tears from his cheek as he walked away from me. I figured I'd have a hard time, not him! GAH! Such a big boy day.
Aww... At our school, they don't even let the parents in the room for the first day of kindergarten. I'm guessing Sage will run and and not even hug me.
My heart was all clenched reading your goodbye to Joseph. Why do us moms have to be so brave?
I didn't see it in the job description. It sucks.
Those are some serious teachers. Or vets of the kindergarten parents' goodbye.
Oh! Heart clenching!
They have to be the most amazing people in the world. I know I couldn't do it.
Awww....
Kindergarten is WAY hard.
Yay! I love the crown. Can't wait to make one every year.
Oh my! I think the first and the last would be the hardest. The poor middle children just get shoved out the car door with a blown kiss. Totally kidding. :D
oh honey, this was so sweet.. the crown is adorable, the pictures are great, and your storytelling was lovely. <3
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