Wednesday, August 18, 2010

3WW - First Day of School

It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for another 3WW challenge. Today's words are grimace, phase and stumble.
**

Today was your first day of school. I blinked back tears that threatened to blind me while we walked up the steps. Your little hand clutched mine and I squeezed, hoping to offer reassurance in any way I could. Your sweet answering smile made my heart stutter for a moment.

We got into the cafeteria and you sat down with other kids from your class, and like that, I was background noise - a silly phase you'd grown out of. I told you goodbye and I loved you. You grimaced a little when I brushed a kiss on your cheek.

"Hey, guys, this is my mommy." I smiled, you smiled, and the world started spinning again.

My sweet little boy turned to play with his friends and I retreated. My heart broke a little that I didn't even get a hug, but that's what I get for raising such a strong, confident, handsome boy.

Your innocent giggles surrounded me as I made my way out of the building and I stumbled a little on the stairs and tried to ignore the suspicious burn behind my eyes.

Have a great day, my sweet boy!

**
Yep, that's how it happened. He was so eager to meet his new friends that he really didn't have time to worry about saying bye to mommy. To my credit, I made it all the way back to the car before I cried, and I only cried for a minute. I don't know why this was so hard, he's been in daycare, but this is different. He's getting so big so fast.

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12 comments:

sefcug said...

Reminded me of when my son started school, a long time ago.

Very touching.

anthonynorth said...

I have 7 kids so know this experience very well; and it never gets any better no matter how many times you have to do it. Heartbreak and pride can often go hand in hand.

VL Sheridan said...

Oh Crystal, I know exactly how you feel. My little boy did the exact same thing to me; now he's a junior in high school. Enjoy all the time together you have.

gautami tripathy said...

I as a teacher liked reading this..

in a roomful of plates

pia said...

You captured the feeling perfectly

Thom Gabrukiewicz said...

very heartfelt. thanks for sharing.

Travis Erwin said...

Great writing here. My hardest moment as a parent was at my youngest's kindergarten graduation.

Angel said...

I remember this day with my son.

Dreamer said...

Oh Wow! Reminded me of my own lil ones' first day of school. The boy bawled his head off and clung to me for dear life. When it was his little sister's turn, I was all prepared for the waterworks, but she just marched in cheerfully and waved me bye, even more cheerily :D

Jay R. Thurston said...

Nice work, you captured the heartfelt emotions well.

David Cranmer said...

Very touching post.

Rick said...

Your post evokes so many memories!