Tissues Please……..
” I can’t believe my little baby is starting school” - Elissa’s first words to me this morning…. I knew the moment was coming, and she has been very brave until now, but I knew that it was really starting to hit home.
” Do you think he is ready?”
” How will he cope, and will he be ok?”
I have heard all of these questions before, and we have discussed them at length - sometimes with all the answers, sometimes with none. I was just about to launch into one of my famous full of wisdom responses, when the best answer possible arrived in our bedroom.
“Morning! - am I going to school this morning?” Jack asks.
Here stands our beautiful boy, full of happiness, excitment, and adventure - dressed from head to toe in his school uniform, school bag over the shoulder, empty lunch box in hand and a grin from ear to ear.
“You start school tomorrow buddy” I reply without thinking too hard (it was only 6.45am!). The look on Jacks face went from pure joy to disappointment in a heartbeat. (How bad did I feel!)
“I thought you said we were going to see my teacher today?” Jack asked confused.
“We are going to see your teacher, but just for a short time so you can get familiar with your classroom. You don’t have to wear your uniform if you don’t want to.”
“I want to dad, I can’t wait to get to school and I can’t wait to play with all the other kids - can we go now?”
At this point in time, I glance over at my beautiful wife - one little tear rolling down her cheek, but the biggest grin from ear to ear that I have seen in a long time. I know in that moment that she has had her questions answered, and that they were the answers she was looking for.
Tomorrow is the big day, and after the success we had with a short visit to school this morning I know Jack will be ok - I will be going to the supermarket shortly to stack up on tissues for Elissa, and I can only hope that she will let him go once we reach the classroom!
I look forward to posting again tommorow as we reach this very exciting emotional time.
Steve.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:59 am
And dont forget the chocolate!
It is a very emotional big moment for us mums.
But fingers crossed it sounds as though he is going to be ok.
January 30th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Thanks Casdok for reminding me - Elissa would never forgive me if I forgot the chocolate!!
January 30th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Here’s to a fantastic first day!
Judith
(Mom to another Jack…)
January 30th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
What an exciting time for all of you. I’m excited for you. I hope Jack has a great day.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
If, perhaps, you can’t find enough chocolate, my wife will sometimes substitute Kaluha - or add it.
January 30th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Hope all goes well for Jack at school. His words “can’t wait to play iwth other kids” is definitely a good sign that he is ready. Yes, tissues and chocolate will come in handy as well as a good shoulder to cry or at least rest one’s head on. ; )
January 30th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
That is so very exciting. I need a tissue myself after reading that. I can’t wait to hear about his day!!!!