My Baby Has Flown The Coop

 

My baby flew the coop last week… Friday was his first full day of junior kindergarten.

While I was confident he’d adjust well, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hold back the tears. My rational brain told me it’s going to be wonderful – he’s ready to be more independent, learn new things, broaden his horizons. But my emotional side reminded me that he’s my baby, the youngest, and there will never be another ‘first day of kindergarten’.

This was it.

So, despite seeming okay with it on Wednesday (a ‘transitional’ half-day at school), by the time Friday rolled around, I sobbed like a baby. The tears just wouldn’t stop. My son asked me why I was crying and I replied, “I’m fine, these are happy tears because I’m so proud of you!” Which was definitely true… I just left out the part about me being a sentimental Mama.

Before I knew it, the bell rang and it was time for him to line up. I couldn’t send him off without documenting the moment, so I took a red-faced “ugly cry” selfie of the two of us (vanity be damned!). I wasn’t going to let my tears ruin this.

After seeing him march into the school with his friends, the rain started. It began as just a sprinkle or two, but the sky quickly opened up and big, fat drops started to fall. It was strangely comforting, somehow, as they mirrored the tears I had just shed. The rain was a welcome distraction until I reached the safety of my porch.

Then, sinking into a comfy chair, I took a moment to reflect on the events of the morning. My tears had dried, the rain (mysteriously) stopped, the sun came out and I pulled out my smartphone to see the picture I had just taken.

In it, my son was smiling away, so happy to be embarking on a new adventure.

At that moment, I knew I was ready for change… for both of us. I’m ready to start the next chapter in my life.

And I’m ready to watch him soar.