Standing underneath her school mascot I take the famous first day of school picture. I've made her a little chalkboard sign that says First Day of Kindergarten. Before we left for school she looked like my big girl. The oldest of my three girls. Now walking down the hall with all of the other children I'm overcome by how small she really is. I don't think that I can actually leave her here. It's different than pre-k...this is the actually K! It makes it a little easier that she is so eager. She does't want me to stay. She is ready to start her adventure. She doesn't need mommy right now. I hand her the backpack that she picked out while we were on vacation. She gives me a big hug and kiss and after talking to her teacher briefly, I turn to walk out the door. I look back at her sitting in the hallway like her teacher had asked her to do. And then I lose it. I can't help who's looking the tears start streaming down my face and I try to look down so that the new principal and teachers won't see and think I'm crazy. She's my baby and I'm not ready to let go.
STOP!