the first day of school, and I am crying again

Drop off went beautifully. We were almost on time. The girl was dressed, her hair was brushed and her underwear was in place (those underwear checks are really paying off). I was wearing clean clothes and lip gloss. The baby had her breakfast of orange juice and dry cereal in hand.

Abby ran off to greet her friends, many of whom she has seen over the summer. She did not look back.

I made a quick exit with baby and shopping list in hand. I did not look back.

At pick up time, Abby came bounding out or her classroom, art work in hand and an ear to ear smile on her face.

I asked how her day went.

Mommy, there is a new girl in my class, she said. She was wearing a pink skirt and a pink bow and I am her friend she said proudly. She went on to discuss the toys they played with and how she showed her new friend around the playground.

I asked Abby if the teacher had asked her to be the new girl's buddy.

No Mom, she said, in a tone of voice that implied it should be obvious. She was just the new girl and didn't know anybody so I wanted to be her friend.

And just like that, I was crying again on the first day of school.