School Days

We've come a long way (four years, in fact) from the day my oldest son started junior kindergarten. It has been a mostly smooth journey throughout the years, and my boy has loved every second of grade two so far. He's in a classroom with all his friends, sits next to his best friend, has an amazing teacher, and this year, his little brother joins him at the same school.

Today was little D's first day of kindergarten. It was an orientation "meet the teacher" morning, and he was so brave, it made my heart hurt. I held it together pretty well, though.

Until I got to my car, and opened the little bag with a few items (tea, tissues, a cotton ball) his teacher gave me, attached with a note...

Here is a little gift for you as you leave your precious little one with me on the first day of school. As you hold the cotton ball in your hand, the softness will help you remember the gentle spirit of your child.

After you have gone home and dried your tears, make yourself a cup of hot tea. Put your feet up and relax. Remember that together, you and I will work for your child to be the best he/she can be.

Thank you for entrusting yoru child to me for the coming school year. I will do my very best to be your child's guide in learning and exploring this bright, new world they have just stepped into.

Yeah, so all the tears I bravely held back as my little one walked around his new classroom? They came out as I drove away.

I'm excited to have both boys in the same school, finally, and I am so thrilled that my little D has the same kindergarten teacher his big brother had for two years. She is the best teacher, ever.

Here's hoping all our little ones have a great school year! Let the journey begin...