Today You Went To Kindergarten

My Little Tiny Big Girl...

Today you went to Kindergarten.

You were ready --

Nervous, but composed.

I wasn't there, but Mommy took photographs.

My heart squinched up a little bit when I saw them,

You in your pleated skirt and matching headband,

Smiling because Mommy wanted you to,

But I could tell you really didn't feel like it.

Not right then, anyway.

(As I write this, your first day is half over; I hope you have been smiling -- a lot.)


I am going to miss the days we've spent together.

We'll still have our times, but not like before.

The days when you were soft and smooshy and dependent,

When you were quiet and napping,

Then chattering and climbing,

Challenging me at every step,

Arguing, cajoling, teasing,

For what seemed like endless hours and endless days...

Those times went by too quickly.

Everyone says that -- where did the time go?

(I think it goes into our memories, and I hope we never forget them.)


Now it's time to make new memories.

You will learn so many things, Charlie!

Your mind craves knowledge as much as your body craves motion.

Mommy has done a wonderful job, getting you ready for this day.

I am so very proud of both of you.

I will take my Grandma/Charlie memories out

And smile about them often.

No tears for me today.

I'm looking forward to the days when I come to pick you up.

(You will share your schoolgirl adventures with me, won't you?)