Dear Children,
Tomorrow you will go to school. No, little one, I cannot go with you. You don’t know this, but I will take you to school and leave quickly. I will not hang about the classroom even if you cling to me. I learned with your sister that lingering in the school prolongs the Armageddon of the day.
It will take clenched teeth and stealing of my nerves to walk away. But I will walk away. Whoever said that parenting gets easier as children grow older - never walked away from a kindergarten classroom.
My dear 2nd grader; tomorrow you will carry your own backpack. You don’t know this, but I will not carry it for you. It will be filled with your lunch, a change of clothes and all my love. You are big enough to carry these things.
Children; tomorrow you will have to tell your teachers (not me), that you need to use the bathroom. I don’t think that you will. But if you do; you will knock my socks off.
Little one; tomorrow you will sit at a table and eat lunch with children who are strangers to you. I promise that by next week, these unknown kids will become your adopted family.
2nd grader; tomorrow you will sit at a table and eat lunch with your best friends. Please eat your whole lunch. No excuses that “there wasn’t enough time”. There is time for both food and play. Just choose the food first.
Children remember that you are sisters; a bond which swings & slides cannot undo. Look for one another at recess.
My sweet 2nd grader; please find the compassion and empathy, which I have taught you, to watch over your little sister. A friendly face is so comforting when one is on foreign ground.
Children tomorrow you will go to school and learn so many things. You will learn how to muster bravery and how to fight worry. I hope these skills serve you well throughout your days. You will find your own voice. I hope you have the courage to use it, if not tomorrow, one day soon. You will learn about friendship, fairness and foul play. I hope you will grow to understand that each of these teaches important lessons.
My dear little children, tomorrow you will go to school. No, I cannot come with you. I will meet you at the end of your busy day. I will listen to your stories or to your silence. Yes, you must go back the next day, and the day after that. No, I cannot come those days either.
You don’t know this, but I am learning as well. I am learning how to muster bravery and fight worry. I am learning to use my own voice. I am learning that friendship, fairness and foul play are significant surprises in my life.
Dear children; I cannot go with you on this adventure. However, I promise I will do my best to prepare you for the journey.
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