Today, I left my firstborn in her first grade class. It was such a bittersweet moment. I have all sorts of emotions come over me.Sad, happy, Nervous, Excited..The whole gamut.
I packed a turkey and cheese sandwich and just now was wondering would she be able to open the container. I wondered that she wouldn’t be hungry at her recess and not touch her food and starve the rest of the day.
I worry that the other kids might make fun of her wearing glasses. Whether she would have any friends to play with at recess? Whether she would be able to handle the “real world” Some six year old girls can get really mean?
I wonder about the school’s bathroom policy. Can she go as and when or it at only designated times?
However, my daughter woke up , brushed her teeth, had breakfast, changed into her school uniform and was ready by 8 am.
She looked so excited and happy. I tried to keep my emotions in check. I didn’t want her to sense my apprehension and my insecurities.
We loaded up the van and took off. Parking was a nightmare. I went with the girls to her classroom.
She found her name, hung her backpack and lunchbox. Said “Bye bye mummy” and went to the join the her classmates. Without as much as a backward glance. I was like “hmm okay” Avasha and I wandered outside. I saw some mommies sniffling, some with moist eyes. We exchanged a look, a knowing look that the first day is always tough whether a child is going off to kindergarten or high school.
Nk then came by and said “Are you ok?” I smiled and we held hands and walked to the cafeteria for free coffee/muffins.
Next week, it would be Avasha’s first day. And I guess she would be do alright too.
I would hug my baby boy harder. and know that he has some time before he goes off to school
