Back to School

Yesterday was Rachel's first day back to school since Christmas break. She had really looked forward to it, but got a little sad when she was getting dressed yesterday morning. She said she wanted to stay with me and that she would miss me. We started talking about all her friends and her sweet teachers and that they could all tell each other what they had gotten for Christmas. I said, "you'll have so much fun that you probably won't even think of me." Then, I got her a special drink to have in the car (sprite) and we left for school in good spirits. When we were in the drop-off line, however, she got sad again. She started crying and said she wanted to stay with me. I hugged her and we started looking for her friend's cars to see if we could see any of them in line ahead of us. Then, she said, "it makes me sad when you say I won't even think about you today." (Oops! I thought that was a reassuring statement.) I said, "I'm sorry sweetie, I'll miss you too and Bradley and I will pick you up soon, and you can tell us all about your great day." She seemed okay; we saw Ms. Susanne (the director) helping kids out of the cars, and she was ready for school. Of course, I started crying once I got out of the parking lot because I hate to see her sad, but also because I genuinely miss her when she's away from me. I knew she was fine and would forget her sadness once she was around her friends and sweet teachers. I have to say, Rachel is such an absolute joy to be around, so easy and sweet that I wasn't looking forward to her returning to school. I really love having her home with me! So, although I knew she would have a great time and needed to see her little friends again, there was definitely a part of me that wished I could have her stay home. But, those days are over. She's a big 4 year old and will have to start Kindergarten next year. I have no idea how we'll handle that...thankfully we have till August to figure it out. Anyway, when I picked her up from school, she said she had gotten sad, but Miss. Jan hugged her and made her feel better. I'm so thankful for the sweet, caring teachers who watch out for my little girl!