School Daze

Many weeks of careful preparation had taken their toll. Each little pair of shoes, each little book bag laid out with the best of care. The children lined up like little runway models. Each one, striking a pose of perfection. I carefully watched as the small army lined up and marched as ready to chant a cadence on their way to the van.

Riding down the road the sound of small voices chattered. I watched as the first one moved out of the car. The uncertain look on his face making my heart ache. "Out to face the world" I thought to myself. The summer sun still shining on his skin. His reality changed once again. "Have a nice day Kiddo." The door slammed shut and off we went, a band of misfits and midgets.

"Stop number two." First graders holding the backpacks. I watch as they count the steps. Walking up the hill to the school. Taking steps into their lives, facing their future with bravery. They slowly fade into nothingness.

Two small Children remain in the car. Sleepy eyes staring out the window. "I saw a little bunny mommy." Raven screams with a shrill in her voice. Her youth making each sight a miracle. The small things I take for granted she seeks out and discovers. "Where is a bunny?" Isaiah says as he searches the landscape. They watch as the little rabbit scurries away.

Walking through the door, School days have begun. School for the children. A moment alone for the parents. I sit in the chair and wonder back into a daze. Remembering the first day of school. The things I had forgotten. Swinging in the very swing in front of the school that my children now attend. Wondering if I could go high enough to touch the soft leaves of the old Oak in the school yard. Time marches on.

School daze... A memory of who I was accompanied by who I have become. Life now a reflection of my experiences. Small faces run to the van, inviting me into their day.

"Mommy, I almost touched the leaves this time."

"Me too." I thought, "Me Too."