First Milestones
I still remember my first day of kindergarten at St. Mary Magdalene School. Ate Imelda, my cousin and yaya, accompanied me to school that day. I wore my uniform, white blouse with ribbon that matched my checkered white and green skirt, white socks and black shiny shoes. I was so scared when I saw all the other children in school. When the bell rang, I wouldn't let go of Ate Imelda's skirt. I was crying. I ended up going home with her, missing my very first day of school.
When my eldest son Reggie started nursery, I took time off from work. I wanted to be there for him in case he gets frightened. We arrived at his classroom and I introduced him to his teacher. I wanted to stay there with him until class was finished. But the teacher made me leave and closed the door. So I just took a peep at the glass window waiting for a chance to wave goodbye. I saw him sitting in a circle with the other kids. I went back home and came back to pick him up later that day.
My youngest son Ryland started school last Fall. I was excited and anxious as well. I wasn't sure if I was ready to let go of my "baby" especially after working at home and having him very close by my side for two years. On his first day of kindergarten, I walked with him, his brother and their cousins to school. The teacher was outside waiting for the new kindergarteners. Parents came, some with cameras, some with camcorders. The teacher made the kids line up. Parents waited on the side until all the kids went inside. I headed back home. As I walked along the empty street, I felt a lump in my throat and my eyes were filled with tears. You'd think that it would get easier to let go of your third child because you've gone through that twice before. But, no, it isn't. It is just as hard as the first and second one, if not, the hardest.
