Friday was Isabel's first day of Kindergarten. After what I witnessed that morning and every morning since then, I now firmly believe we are making the right choice by sending her, and I am convinced she was tailor-made for school. She woke up promptly at 6:15 AM--that's actually normal for her, my little early bird. She came running out of her room, wide-eyed and ready to take on the world. As she ate breakfast, Ren and I explained some rules and regulations to be followed, gave her a loving pep talk, got her ready and she headed out the door to wait for the bus. Yes, the bus. We offered to drive her and walk her to her class, but she insisted on taking the bus to her new school. She wanted the whole public school experience from start to finish. I never rode the bus as a child, and I can't even imagine riding it the first day of a new school. But Isabel challenged that big, yellow, government vehicle with all the Buckland Confidence she could muster. And she was the victor. The bus came, stopped right in front of our house, she bounded down the driveway, climbed up and grabbed a seat, and we waved and smiled as she drove away.
I didn't cry when she drove away. And I didn't cry while she was at school. I was so busy with the other three at home that I barely had time to miss her. Before I knew it the big, yellow bus was bringing her safely back home. She told me all about her day and couldn't wait to go back.
But I did cry. What she doesn't know, is that very first morning I woke up before everyone else and couldn't go back to sleep until I prayed for my precious firstborn child. I cried and poured my heart out to God to bless my daughter with success, favor, and opportunities that I never had. Yeah, I know it's just Kindergarten. So maybe I am being a bit melodramatic. But it's a new beginning for her. And one that I hope and pray that, for her, will be a wonderful start.
Posts
8 comments:
Oh Angela, I remember Sam's first day of Kindergarten in public school. They had "Tissues and Donuts" in the library for the parents. I went and... I cried. (I felt like an idiot.) Ha! Oh well. I got a little misty-eyed reading your blog. I'm inspired by how you handled it. There's no better place to pour out our hearts. Psalm 62:8
Isabel looks like such a big girl in that picture! Ethan starts pre-school in two weeks and I already know that as soon as I pull away I'm going to cry. I can't imagine what it is going to be like the day he starts kindergarten and rides the bus!
Thanks for the picture, as Nora was smiling from ear to ear upon seeing it. My girl also rode the bus for the first time this year. She was also excited and unafraid. She said the kids are "a little too chatty" and aren't quiet like the driver asks but that she herself likes to "look out the window at all the colors" as she rides out the 30 minute drive. How brave! and cheerful! and glad to be part of it all they are! I'm proud of our girls.
Robin talks all the time about taking the bus. I took in it jr high appyling blue eyeliner as we bounced along. I also rode it in Germany to my elementary school. Isabel looks totally official in her first day of school photo!
ps I cried when Robin started preschool. Several times.
I used to tell my little brother that there was a swimming pool on the bus before he was old enough to go to school. He came home disappointed the first day. :)
BTW, Isabel looks all growed up!
You guys are AWESOME Angela. I love you.
Nathan sort of started school this week :) He went to daycare. Yeah, I cried and am still crying ;) There actually is a bus for the daycare, ha! It's a decorated short bus. But it is not for babies of course. They pick up kids after school and bring them to the daycare for an after school program.
Isabel looks pretty tough in that pic.
I loved public school, but I'd still be afraid to ride the bus.
Such a brave girl! I got misty reading this post, of course. Nothing new there. You know there will be tears from me on the 2nd when Alex starts Pre-K. They're growing up too fast!
Post a Comment