ack to school means many different things
The following year, my daughter was accepted early
to parents and students alike. For some, it is
kindergarten instead of attending another year of pre-
an understandable relief. When kids aren’t
school. We both walked solemnly to her school as if we
at camp or on a vacation, parents are sick
were in a funeral possession. As we got closer, my mind
tired of them moping around all day, watching TV
started racing and I broke out in a cold sweat. I
staring at their phone or computer. The words “I’m
to myself, “What are you doing? This means you’ll have
start to sound like nails on a chalkboard.

her one less year before she has to go to college.” I con-
vinced myself she wasn’t emotionally ready. (She was.)
these parents, some kids actually look forward to the
of the new school year. They are excited to see
friends again and are ready for greater challenges,
sets and opportunities.

kids would prefer to have a root canal or two. In
first week of August, the sunken realization of the in-
begins and intensifies as the days march forward.

up I fit squarely into this category. I never knew,
how agonizing back to school truly could be un-
my daughter was going to start full-time kindergarten.

I should mention I got busted when she started pre-
The teachers kindly said it was best if all parents
Many of the precious, tiny students, mine included,
hanging onto their parents’ legs with 3-year-old vise
All of the parents eventually left, except for me. I
it was blatantly obvious they should understand
daughter and I were a special exception, and I should
allowed to stay. No dice. They swiftly shooed me
could feel her impossibly little hand shaking in mine,
knew she wasn’t feeling any better. She was trying to be
brave little soldier and hold back her tears.

I got down on my knees and looked into her miniature,
rosy face and asked her if she was ready to start school.

She said a quick “no,” and without thinking, I said “me
either!” And we skipped with glee all the way back
to watch Elmo.

The next year she went without a hitch, probably becaus
I was a regular presence at her preschool. Her teachers
were kind and patient enough to allow me to help in
classrooms on a regular basis. Fast forward a few years.

I am proud and excited for my daughter to begin her
second year of high school. In spite of my difficulty
go, she has turned into a mature, capable, independent
young lady.

Even so, every back-to-school season still brings back
bittersweet memories. And would I climb atop boxes to
spy on her one more time? Maybe I shouldn’t answer
was raining and I saw a small window in the back of the
There were several large cardboard boxes ready
the trash stacked under it. I climbed up the boxes in
heels and a business suit. (The thought of going to
had briefly crossed my mind.) I could spy her, hoo-
Then, suddenly the boxes collapsed and I fell with
Cynthia
scream. The director quickly came out to find me
Account
wet with my skirt up over my head, completely
Washington FAMILY
and embarrassed.