The First Day

So it's done. The boy is off to school. The morning went smoothly; I got his lunch and snack packed, got everyone dressed, got to school and situated him in his new classroom. As expected, he didn't bat an eyelash at my departure. I was doing fine and feeling at peace with this new phase of life. That is, until I looked at the packet of information the teacher had handed me. I was barely out the classroom door when I read this:

The First Day!

I gave you a little wink and smile

as you entered our room today

For I know how hard it is to leave

and know your child must stay.

You've been with him for five years now

and have been a loving guide,

but now, alas, the time has come

to leave him at my side.

Just know that as you drive away

and tears down your cheeks may flow

I'll love him as I would my own

and help him learn to grow.

So please put your mind at ease

and cry those tears no more

for I will love him and take him in

when you leave him at my door.

Your child's First Grade Teacher

Mrs. C.

I stumbled out to the parking lot, eyes blurry with tears, head down to hide my emotion from the other parents who were chatting happily by their cars. I am at a loss to explain why I feel so sad and am being affected so profoundly by this, but I have to believe I'm not the only mommy who ever lamented her baby going off to school. I have to trust that this is the beginning of some really wonderful years. But right now it just feels like the end of some others.