Last night we packed his backpack, picked out his clothes, and talked about how wonderful kindergarten would be (I said it so many times I wasn't sure if I was telling him or trying to convince myself). Gary gave him a blessing that he would have fun, learn, listen, and be kind. We tucked him in and kissed him good-night. I packed his lunch and sobbed (I packed enough food for a week). My baby, my firstborn, my buddy was going to kindergarten. A new phase was beginning and an one ending.
This morning Trek went to a friends house and Gary was at work so Canyon and I made the adventure down to Sechrist Elementary together. He was dressed in new clothes, shiny new shoes, a stiff new back pack and smile. As we walked to the school he would grab my hand then decide to let go, then grab it again. He was greeted by his teacher Mrs. Roth. His class room was filled with other kindergartners and their parents. Canyon kept his eye on me, but jumped right into all the activities, smiling and sharing with his classmates. We did some projects and listened to some stories. His teacher read The Kissing Hand. As the little Raccoon in the story tells his mama his fears about starting school his mama comforts him by kissing his hand. She tells him that the kiss she leaves on his hand will warm his heart whenever he presses it to his cheek. We drew heart kisses on our hands and said good-by. Canyon found his spot on the rug and listened to his teachers instruction. Tears filledd my eyes and I barely made out of the classroom. I cried the whole way home knowing that he'll be fine, that he'll be great. That he'll love school and make friends. That he'll learn wonderful things. But just sort of missing my Canyon.
