Last year as we walked into school David nervously grabbed my hand, holding on tight as we made our way down the hall to his new classroom.
This year he hopped out of the van excitedly. His hurried steps up the sidewalk were slowed only because it was raining, and he wanted to keep dry under my umbrella. As soon as we walked through the door his friends spotted him.
“David!”
And he was gone.
He didn’t look back.
He didn’t need me this time.
He went off with his friends to the gym where they lined the kids up by class.
When they walked David’s group down to their room I trailed behind with Wade. David didn’t need me, but I needed to know where his classroom was located in the maze of hallways that make up his elementary school. I watched David find his locker and unpack everything from his backpack like they taught him last year: Lunchbox and snack goes on the locker shelf for quick access. Water bottle gets filled up and placed on the desk.
I guess when you’re in Second Grade school is old hat.
David sat at his new desk. (His seat is in the very front row. Apparently David’s new teacher already knows a few things about him.) I said “Goodbye, have a good day. I’m leaving now,” but I don’t think he heard me. He was too busy getting reacquainted with his classmates.
He didn’t need me this time.
And I’m OK with that.
{Melinda} It’s a bittersweet dance we engage in, isn’t it? Wanting them to be independent, but feeling just a tiny wince when it’s clear that they are becoming just that! What a wise mom you are though to see that your boy is doing exactly what he should — become his own, self-assured little man.
Popping over from SITS!
Even though it’s sometimes hard on us, it’s awesome that he was so confident heading into his school year! I walk my girls in every year, but my oldest is often like that – just moving right into her school life, and leaving me behind because she doesn’t need my help. This was the first year I didn’t walk her in because she started middle school!
Visiting from SITS.