Last Day of Kindergarten Tears

Mothers Across America: Get the tissues. Or, a hanky. Whatever your heart desires.

Because my baby graduated from kindergarten.  To be honest, I've done my darndest to prevent this from happening. I even sent him to half-day kindergarten first, held him back claiming the whole "he's a summer baby" excuse.  Then, I sat across from his teacher at conferences and said, "You know, it just might be a good idea to give him one more year....".  I've put some books on his head to stunt his growth.  I criticized his reading in hopes he would stop trying completely and thus, need to repeat a year. This morning, in a last-ditch attempt, I said to him, "Joey, maybe you should do kindergarten again....you loved it sooo much....".  To which he replied, "Mom, only my teacher can hold me back and she's not going to because I'm way too smart for kindergarten now!"  That was it. All of my efforts have failed me.  He's moving to first grade, whether I like it or not.

This God-fearing, big-loving, always-hugging, sweet-singing, sun-tanning, toothless-similing child is not looking back. 

My heart swelled with pride. That smile. Those eyes. The skinny legs. The things his stomach can eat. He's my sweet baby angel. With a hair complex. 

Almost all of his good qualities come from his daddy. But, I know he's mine too.  He loves a microphone. And, he loves a good hug.

But, most of all - this child loves his friends. There is ALWAYS room for one more friend in his heart.  And, my heart melted today, when he called out to two friends standing by themselves "Join in! Join in! Get in our picture!" Bless his soul.

Turns out there's plenty of room for his mama, too. One day, he will love to hate me so I relished in the moment today. The moment where he winks at me in the crowd. Where he thinks my school lunches are the best. Where he raves about my S'mores Sundaes. Where he thinks I'm the best girl ball player he's ever met. Where it's still cool to hug me in front of his friends. Where he announces to his friends, "Hey, that's my mom!"  Where he doesn't roll his eyes at me dancing in the car.  These are the moments that will pass me by way too fast.  It's hard for me to imagine that this sweet thang will one day not want to put his arm around me.

That's why I told you to get the tissues. Because I needed them today. 

But, perhaps a bottle of wine tonight will work just as well.