Friday, August 27, 2010

Sending Two to School: The First Day

One new pink lunch box for my 5-year-old, a rainbow colored backpack that my 6-year-old picked out herself, pristine white athletic shoes for one child, second hand shoes for the other, and one home haircut--these were what I prepared to send my girls to school with on the first day.  Thankfully, my two are still too young to lament that we cannot afford to dress them from head to toe in brand new fall fashions.  But does checking off my modest back-to-school shopping list mean I am actually ready to send them back to school?





Lunches packed, photos snapped, we march to school en masse.  We meander through the chaos of school children and parents, attempting to find the proper line for each daughter.  I study the parents and children that will comprise the classes for the coming year.  While I don’t know another soul in the kindergarten group, many of the first grade students and parents I recognize as acquaintances and friends. The bell rings, and into the building the classes file, following their teachers’ enthusiastic faces.  What remains outside on the school lawn is a mother and preschool-aged son unsure of what to do all day.  We return home without the ringleaders of our usual at-home circus of three.

The hours pass slowly and quietly until it is time to return to the school grounds. I am eager to find out what transpired in their new classrooms.  At the sound of the final bell, out stream the multi-hued flocks of children.  Will I spy my kindergartner first, or will she spot me? 

I hone in on her searching eyes.  Our reunion begins as she races to clasp her arms around me.  She’s both excited and worn out from her long day.  She treasures her pink lunch box and already has a new friend (whose name she doesn’t yet remember).  Next comes my first grader.  Confidently she relays tidbits from the day, comparing and contrasting what happened with last year’s kindergarten memories.

We chatter all the way home as we walk.  I marvel at how suddenly this day came upon me.  No, I wasn’t quite ready to send them off again.  But my daughters not only have their parents, they also have each other to help with the adjusting, growing, and learning to come these next nine months.  The bonds that were strengthened this summer between parent and child, sister and sister, will continue to buoy them as their days at school unfold.  And with ready arms and ears I will return to meet my girls each day, mindful of my crucial tasks--to listen, pray, love, and be a steadfast mother that helps each of my three children blossom.


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11 comments:

Diane said...

Your girls look so sweet. I'm sure that you and your little buddy left at home will figure out how to fill the time - and how wonderful to have that time with just him for a bit.

Unknown said...

Sweet, sweet, sweet! It is such a difference from kinder to first grade. This year my oldest went to first grade and she came out all bubbly and ready to tell me about her day. Last year, I think it was like pulling teeth to get her to talk because she was tired and there was just so much to say because it was all so new. She just didn't know where to begin!

One More Equals Four said...

So sweet! Because we home school, we haven't ever had that first day of school experience...but I can imagine! Hope they have a wonderful year!

Jhona O. said...

I felt like I was watching this all happen! I do remember these feelings. Sending my two off and walking home hand in hand with my little girl. We felt lost for a while but soon it seemed like the time flew too quickly and our projects were too many. Praying that your little girls have a wonderful school year and that you, as a family, have a blessed year:)

Rachel Anne said...

Aww, that's a great picture and I love how you described it. It's so great that they have each other....it's a pretty big step when BOTH are at school. What on earth will you do with yourself??? (probably everything you haven't done for the last 6 years!!!)

bashtree said...

What a sweet story. Your girls sound like real joys. I rarely had brand new clothes or shoes for school, and most days I didn't mind. I don't think you'll have any trouble with your gals.

LydiaCate said...

Very sweet! Great story. We've never experienced this either as we home school. BUT I'll never forget the day I left my oldest at ballet for the first time when she was 6. I sat in the van for a while before I could make myself pull away. It was the first time I'd left her anywhere besides Sunday School. I've come a long way since then. Now that she's 14 I let her out of my sight every once in a blue moon :)

Have a blessed week!
LydiaCate

Melinda said...

It's sweet to watch siblings go off together :) I love that my 2 boys now go to school together. :) Sounds like they had a great first day :)

Katie said...

So very sweet! Sending my oldest off to his first year of full day school has brought on some very similar thoughts and emotions. I am so very excited for all that he will learn and do, but I do certainly miss him throughout the day!

phasejumper said...

Touching, well-written post.

Anne said...

visiting from abc&123. just have to compliment you on your warm and engaging writing style!