Monday, March 31, 2008

Firsts

I didn't expect to react this way. Really. But as the engine of the big yellow school bus roared as it pulled away from our corner, I cried. Today was a first for D. In the realm of "first this and first that," riding a school bus alone for the first time is a biggie.

At his previous school, it was a half-day program and we not only had to drive him there every day, but we had to sign him in as well as walk him to the door of his classroom. That's why this transition has been so huge for him-- and for me. It started with the all-day schedule...and more kids in his class...then it was hopping out of the car-rider line by himself to walk in to class. Now--well, we're in full-on big boy mode.

He was so excited as it neared time for the bus to arrive, he just about popped with anticipation.

"What do you want for breakfast?," I asked him.

"Anything that won't take so long that I miss the bus," he answered.

So, after scarfing down a bowl of Shredded Wheat, he jumped up and threw on his coat and backpack. Making sure that Baby J. was sound asleep in his glider, we darted out the front door to meet the bus at the bottom of the driveway.

At first we were the only ones waiting but, one by one, kids started approaching from all directions. One little girl with platinum blonde hair and big blue eyes introduced herself as a fellow kindergartener and told D. he was welcome to sit with her on the bus. It really was the sweetest thing ever and I chuckled as he smiled a sheepish, uncharacteristically shy smile and accepted the offer.

When the bus arrived, I introduced myself to the driver and she was extremely nice. As D. was stepping on the highest step he turned to me and frantically asked, "What's my bus number, Mommy?! What's the number?!!"

"92!," I replied and, with that, he disappeared into an abyss of seats and backpacks.

But, just as the driver was closing the doors, I heard a sweet voice utter, bravely, "Bye...Mom."

Cue the waterworks, folks.

And, as the big yellow bus pulled away and headed toward the beautiful rolling hills that lead to his school, I cried. I cried because he's growing up and because I'm so proud that my little man is so brave. I cried because he is trying new things and making his way without me holding his hand every step of the way. But mostly, I cried because I love him more than he could ever know.

11 comments:

Amber said...

And now I am crying...because you told this story so beautifully...and because my day will be coming before I know it.

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Very big "sniffle" here. You wrote that beautifully... :)

MelDrop's Corner said...

i KNEW i should have grabbed the tissues before i started reading!man, how time flies. enjoy these big boy moments.

Anonymous said...

I'm crying with you!

Shannon P.~

Brandy said...

You are truly gifted at conveying your emotions in such a beautiful way. I knew this one would get me! My boys are 3 and I know that those days are rapidly approaching!

Jenny86753oh9 said...

..sigh.. I had almost forgotten what it felt like when I had that same moment with my oldest.

Now?

I can't wait to get my youngest on that bus! Come on, August!

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

I hear bus 92 is the best one ever. :)


You're such a good writer. I LOVE when my bloglines tells me you're back. :)

Sweet moments.

Anonymous said...

I have cried those same tears many times over now...and am crying them again with you as I read. Oh, where does the time go?!?! And, darn it, HOW come it's so seemingly easy for them to morph into capable everything-on-their-own people!?!? :-)
c

Unknown said...

I would have cried too...I cry with you!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness...I too am sitting here boo-hoo-ing with you. This will make me want to home school my boys (and I am the biggest advocate EVER for public schooling!) *sniffle* I'm sure you hugged him super tight when he arrived home!

Whitney said...

I'm so glad D handled it like the champ he is! My eyes are filled with tears, sitting here at work(I know, I know, go back to work!). Thanks for letting me know I WILL survive when B gets on "the big bus" next year for the first time!

Hugs,

Whitney