Well, Lil Man survived his walk to the bus stop last Friday. It was not entirely smooth sailing, but he made it to his destination safely. Eventually. All issues aside he accomplished his goal and so did I. He handled getting somewhere on his own and I learned to let go a little.
It was strange for me to watch him walk out the door and wave good-bye to me without any hesitation. He shuffled down the stairs in his own carefree way and headed in the direction of the street towards the bus stop. It reminded me of his first day of kindergarten when I took him to school. I had all these visions of him being clingy, glancing at me in the back of the classroom to make sure I was still there, and even crying. None of that happened.
I walked him to his class room and met his teacher at the door. We shook hands and introduced ourselves. Lil man was all smiles and walked along with the other kids trickling in. I hung out at the back of the class figuring I'd be there for silent support. I took the day off from work and everything. I was prepared. Just as the bell rang to start school the teacher told the kids to say good-bye to their parents. Lil Man looked over his shoulder at me from the tiny little chair and desk, waved cheerfully and said, "Good-bye Mom!". That was it. No tears, no hug, no need for Mom.
Friday was a flash of the same. He walked out the door and down the stairs with the same wave over the shoulder and chipper, "Bye Mom!" Once again on his own and no need for Mom. This time I didn't get teary at the thought of not being needed so much.
I know as a parent I worry about all the things that could happen but probably won't. That's my job. He gets to be care free and I get to plan my fatal attacks on anyone who attempts to hurt the fruit of my loins. I have the responsible talks about strangers and what-ifs while he wonders "why do I have to call when I get there? so annoying..."
I'm just glad this little adventure worked out and I didn't have to go to jail over someone messing with my boy. ;)
11 comments:
Ah, Lil man is growing up...you're such a good mom! I can't imagine how hard it was to see him stroll down the stairs and walk to the bus stop.
I know I've said it before, but you really do have a knack for writing. We all blog, but not all of us write.
You do. You write.
Awwww :) My mom still frequently reminds me how on my first day of school I cried like a baby :-P Horray for Lil Man getting all grown up and mature! Pretty soon you'll have to give him a name that's more fitting than "lil" man.
Aw, so touching! :)
I know I've said it before, but Lil man is SO brave. He's such a solider.
the monkey is right again! You totally have a knack for writing, and I personally laughed out loud about "planning fatal attacks on anyone who attempts to hurt the fruit of my loins." Being a mom isn't easy, but it is clear that you are doing a great job so far!
I know it must be hard, letting go. But what I see in this story is a woman who has raised a self-sufficient, polite, sweet, independent little man. And isn't that the best any mom can hope for?
i'm glad lil man is so good with the change in his schedule. and that you're doing okay with it, too. :)
awesome. i'm glad that you're both doing fine with the new independence.
Yay, Lil' Man!
Ah, Lil' Man is growing up so well!
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