Well, I do apparently. Why, I wondered later, was second grade the tear inducing year? I finally figured it was because this time I didn't have to put on a brave face. I smiled and encouraged at the beginning of kindergarten and again at the beginning of first grade in a new school. If Merritt had looked up and seen his mother in tears, what fear and trepidation would it have inspired in his little heart? Today, though, it was all old hat. Same school, lots of the same friends, safe and sane sameness. We walked hand in hand to the second grade door, and then he let go and it was "Hi Andrew...Hi Mara...Hi John...Goodbye Mom!" I stayed with the milling herd of parents who were watching their little-big ones and snapping pictures. After Merritt's new teacher lined up her class like so many ducklings, he once again noticed me and said in surprise, "What are you still doing here Mom?" Was a healthy dose of "I can take care of myself!" underlying that question? He marched into the school talking excitedly to his new classmates and never looked back...and I finally cried.
Well, I do apparently. Why, I wondered later, was second grade the tear inducing year? I finally figured it was because this time I didn't have to put on a brave face. I smiled and encouraged at the beginning of kindergarten and again at the beginning of first grade in a new school. If Merritt had looked up and seen his mother in tears, what fear and trepidation would it have inspired in his little heart? Today, though, it was all old hat. Same school, lots of the same friends, safe and sane sameness. We walked hand in hand to the second grade door, and then he let go and it was "Hi Andrew...Hi Mara...Hi John...Goodbye Mom!" I stayed with the milling herd of parents who were watching their little-big ones and snapping pictures. After Merritt's new teacher lined up her class like so many ducklings, he once again noticed me and said in surprise, "What are you still doing here Mom?" Was a healthy dose of "I can take care of myself!" underlying that question? He marched into the school talking excitedly to his new classmates and never looked back...and I finally cried. 
2 comments :
You are so sweet. I know that my day is coming! It may be Kindergarten though!!! He is so big. 2nd grade will be tons of fun. :) Heidi
Ok so this is really bad because when Keith and I read Merritt's comment we laughed! So here I feel like a bad sister laughing over your crying! (: I could just picture him saying that though. He is just getting so big! Good luck Merritt with school!
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