David’s First Day of School

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Originally uploaded by Ernesto and Kristen Burden

First day of school! Sort of.  It was a visiting day at the school David will be starting next fall — but for Kris and me it was still dramatic.  After all, it was the first time he was going to be away from one or the other of us (or other family) for a whole day — 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.!  And though we've always been positive and optimistic about the upcoming experience for David, my own memories of the primary grades are … perhaps not so great.  Anyhow, I brought him to the school and waited with him while he took in all the kids running around with big, solemn eyes.  Then he turned in and leaned against me and put his face against my side.  I worried for a minute that he wasn't going to want me to leave. Then one of the kids rang the  bell and the principal came over and got him.  She walked him to the class he would be with and introduced him to the teacher.  He looked tall, handsome and serious, trying to take everything in, and he didn't look back at me as they walked in single file lines of boys and girls up the steps and into the building.  As they passed I saw him smile at something and I felt relieved and all choked up at the same time.  I couldn't wait to hear from Kris after she picked him up.  At three we talked on the phone, and she told me he'd still been smiling when she picked him up. A good day. 

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