Kindergarten Orientation

     Cute little polo shirt and some gel in his lightened blond hair and off we went to school.  We all sat in the caf to get the big welcome and then names were called.  "Ethan Peck"....poof...he was gone.  I listened to the policies and goals, rules and regulations, hopes, wishes and dreams for the kids this year.  I grasped the packet of paperwork in my hands as I realized my little man would be gone in a few weeks.   I've done all of this before...it should be easy, right? But all the time I was doing this with my artistic angel (now 9) I had a boy in my back pocket to ease the pain.  I stayed strong.  I am not that Mom.  Until..."Welcome Class of 2024" popped up during the presentation.  In that moment I fast forwarded to caps and gowns and every breath in between now and then flashed before my eyes.  Tears did swell but I got myself together before one should roll down my cheek.  I'll save those for other days.  We were then asked to meet up in the classroom with our children.  Another moment of magic as I entered the doorway to find that he was looking for me...and then the smile came.  He was so happy in there as he colored his picture of a school.  We were both smitten with the new room and teacher and hope and promise of all that this year would hold. 
     We walked hand in hand to the bus where we took a ride to see what the route would be like.  As we sat in the tall seat he told me all about his morning...without prompt or request he filled me in.  He was most proud to say that he raised his hand to answer a question about the story that was read to the class.  As we rode through the streets we have grown to know...on a sunny Thursday...I paused time.  I took a mental note and snapshot of the event.  Five years of hard work were all worth it.  Every sacrifice, every story read, every drop of Mama love was here in the smile of a little boy who was confident, excited and happy to be going to school.  His school.  He mentioned going back to Emily's school and I was sure to correct him.  It's his school too.  As if he wasn't already sold - a cookie and a cup of juice sealed the deal.  He's in! 
     I am proud of both of us.  We rocked it.  I am ready for the next stage.  I am thrilled for the next batch of trials and adventures.  I am ready to push my baby bird out of the nest and watch him fly. 
Congratulations to Ethan...class of 2024!