My 11-year-old son Skyler starts middle school next week. Several months ago his middle school had a pre-orientation night. At that time the school's principal kept saying that he knew we were worried and that this would be emotional. But I wasn't worried about him going to middle school, I was excited for him. I think he'll like having different teachers, and getting to know more kids.
I hadn't thought that his going to middle school would make me feel sad...until a couple of nights ago at the school's orientation. My husband took a photo of Skyler in front of his locker. As my husband and I went off to meet with the parents, and my son went off to meet up with the other kids, my husband showed me the photo he took. And it suddenly hit me -- he's going to middle school. This is just one step away from high school, which is only one step away from him going away to college, which is only one step away from...well, you get the picture.
The last time I felt like this he was starting kindergarten. That morning he climbed on the bus without looking back at me. I watched him find a seat and sit down. Then he looked out the window at me and I waved to him with a smile that I hoped he thought was real. As soon as the bus pulled away the tears came. I got into my van (I had to leave for work) and sobbed for a few minutes, fighting the urge to follow the school bus.
This year I expect there will be tears also as I watch him get on the school bus for sixth grade. But I know he'll be OK. He's the same brave guy that marched onto the bus that first day of kindergarten.
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