This was it. It was going to be an exciting day,
but also a little heart wrenching at the same time.
A special breakfast was made, the first day outfit picked out
and a new backpack ready to go. This was the feeling about 15 years ago as we
prepared for the first day of kindergarten with my little girl. Goodness, it just seems like yesterday.
In the weeks leading up to this big day for my daughter, it
certainly didn't seem like it would end up being such an emotional day. I had
no idea the connections I'd make.
My thoughts, at that time, would never imagine her being 20
years old and just finishing her second year of college.
Who can even think that far ahead? Yet, almost 16 years later
here I sit remembering that first day of kindergarten and her stepping onto the
school bus.
Time and years pass by without even a whisper of what's to come
next.
First, you’re adjusting to a newborn baby, diapers and bottles. Then, managing sleepless nights, comforting tummy aches and ear infections. Next
thing you know they're standing in their new school outfit and princess
backpack ready to take on the world.
Among all the excitement, I was also trying to tend to my 3
year old son. Of course, he didn't quite understand the importance of this
whole day. He had no clue that his sister was about to leave play time so she
could head to school without him.
It's time! The kids, along with their parents, were gathering at
the bus stop. It was a buzzing hub of energized youngsters, reluctant moms,
supportive dads and proud grandparents.
We approached the group and with my younger son straddled around
my waist, I made introductions and attempted conversations with the other
parents. They were also being distracted by a roundup of backpack toting
kindergartners, younger tag along siblings and the older more rehearsed students.
Between keeping my own emotions in check and holding a squirming
3 year old, I was able to talk with another mom that was trying to hold back
tears. Her daughter was also in the lineup for the school bus along with my
daughter and the other spirited kindergartners. I couldn't avoid noticing that
the first day of kindergarten sure puts an emotional grip on us moms.
It's like we're sending them off to boot camp and won't be
tucking them into their bed for weeks on end. We get that lump in our stomach,
which is actually telling us that they're growing up. Because, we know after
the baby stage it's the kindergarten stage, the middle school stage and then the
high school stage. Then it's nearly 16 years later and.....well, it's just hard
to imagine so you get all teary-eyed.
Not a moment before the uncontrolled weeping begins, the bus
arrives and the kids scurry over to the bus to start their new adventure. As
the kids start boarding the bus, my son suddenly understands that his older
sister is leaving to get on the bus....without him!!
This is when all Hell Breaks Loose!
My son screams out in a full blown tirade. His expressive
wailing with legs flinging and kicking from my waist and his arms stretched out
to his sister crying out to let him go too.
In my attempt to tame a wildebeest, I realized I didn't have
the chance to wave goodbye to my daughter. It seemed I didn't even have the
chance to get sentimental with seeing her little face pressed up against the
bus window.
I did, however, notice that the other kindergartner mom that I had
just met, was standing off to the side sobbing as she mustered a goodbye wave
to her daughter.
Still confused by my son's emotions and my own, I went over to
console this mom. It didn't take long to make a connection with her and soon we
were laughing about the whole chaotic scene.
Shortly after, the school bus had rolled on and the climatic upheaval was
left behind. Eventually, it had calmed to a low roar so we could all collect our
thoughts.
Of course, we did what any moms of kindergartners would do
after a gut wrenching, tear laden first day of school. We gave each other a hug
and suggested we should get together for a beer sometime.
And, that we did!
It's now nearly 16 years later and that mom and I are still friends after a day I call, "the kindergarten corner of tears!" Of course, we still get together on occasion for a few beers to talk and support each other about life.
Our daughters will soon be going on 21 and starting their junior
year in college. Yes, they grow up fast!
Remembering how we felt at the bus stop on that first of many
first days of school has brought us through all those stages of their young
lives to the point we are now. These girls are now young adult women and probably making their own memorable lifelong friendships.
How wonderful it is to look back and see how far we've all come
in life and the many changes we've faced along the way. I'm not sure if our
kids remember that day, but us mom's need
to stick together. Who knows what will be on the next corner of life.
We just may need a friend and a cold beer!
Not to be forgotten, just a follow-up on my wildebeest son. He did eventually have his turn getting on the bus for the
first day of kindergarten too. In fact, next year he'll be a high school
graduate.
Coincidentally, that same mom friend has a younger daughter the
same age as my son - they'll both be graduating next year.
With that in mind, I predict someone will be joining me on the “crying
corner” as the last kid eventually leaves home and, through the
tears, we'll muster up a wave goodbye.
Yup, they grow up fast, but there's always the lifelong
friendship to stay connected and share a beer with.
Have you ever met a new friend from an emotional situation?
Put your smile on and unwrap
A Square of Chocolate,
Laurie O
I made so many friends when my kids were little. Moving into a new neighbourhood was a breeze. Within hours, they had struck up new acquaintances and, by connection, I had new friends. I find, now that everyone is grown, it isn't as easy. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteTime just keeps marching on as we make new connections along the way. Thanks for stopping by Diane!
DeleteI love how connected your son felt to his big sister, even though that day was so sad for him there at the "kindergarten corner of tears." It made me curious to know how their relationship is now? Oh, time. I know. It's crazy isn't it? 15 years--Poof! Just like that. Thank you for sharing this sweet story with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie! Besides the normal sibling squabbles, they're pretty close and he still looks up to his big sister. They're very supportive of each other. I'm a proud mom for sure! :)
DeleteAh, I remember it well -- putting little ones on that school bus for the first time. Getting teary just thinking about it, so long ago. Thanks for this lovely reminder.
ReplyDeleteI was hoping others could relate to this. Glad it jogged some memories of your own. Thank you for commenting, Laurie!
DeleteOhhhh this is a beautiful story of connection, in spite of the sadness of the day. What a wonderful thing to come out of a heart-wrenching situation :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Lizzi! It's funny, I think we made a connection right away, because of the tears.
DeleteGreat story! It took me back as well!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's fun taking a stroll down memory lane. Thanks Juls!
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