My Madeline Started School

Madeline started 'real' school on September 1st this year. That was an equally wonderful and heartbreaking day. I hope to never forget how sweet and excited she was; the way she talked to herself and took deep breaths to calm herself as she was walking into school; watching her cute little self walk down the hallway for the first time; how cute she was hanging up her backpack the hook at her spot; nervously walking into her classroom (Mrs. Smith's class); how attentive and ready to participate she was; going off to her first recess. The list goes on. The nerves finally hit full force when she realized it was time for Joe and I to leave. The tears started falling and it was a battle to hold mine back. We went outside to watch all the kiddos line up and get ready to get on the bus. They had a bus safety lesson and quick ride. When the kids got back, the parents had to be gone. It was painful to watch my baby walk away and up on to the bus. It was pure heartbreak looking at her sad face as she walked away.
That day was a long day. 4:30 could not come fast enough. I needed that bus to bring her home to me. The second greatest sound I heard that day was the sound of the bus coming around the corner. The best sound I heard was "MAMA!" as her bus got close enough for her to be able to see me and Joe waiting for her at the end of the driveway. And oh, that face. Her face coming off the bus was a mixture of so very many emotions. That sweet, sweet girl was beyond relieved to be home. Again, the tears were falling for both her and I. This time they were happy tears. With a few sad Mama tears mixed in.