First Day High

Ok. I cried.

I cried on my daughter’s first day of school. I cried because i felt that after 5 years of her being my “baby”, i am surrendering her to the world and there’s no turning back. Once your child takes that big leap towards their scholastic journey, it just goes on and on as we know.

I've been so looking forward to the 'peace and quiet' school days would finally bring to our “happy mad house." Maybe i was just tired of all the mess, the constant wingeing, and demanding for this and that and I was in desperate need of tranqui. I just couldn’t wait for school to start and re-acquire my sanity - or what’s left of it (as selfish as it may sound.)

Then THE day came (today)

Matt and I (along with little Taj, of course) took Kaela to school because we obviously wanted to be there for her on her first day and make sure she settles in nicely before we went about our day.

Knowing our little girl and her big personality, she instantly clicked with a bunch of her classmates 5 minutes after setting foot on the school grounds.

We waited a couple more minutes until her school teacher emerged from one of the classrooms and called out to the kindergarteners to form a straight line. She also told all the parents that they're welcome to come inside and stay for a couple of minutes.

The classroom setup was very welcoming and Kaela instantly placed her bag and lunchbox in one of the lockers after recognising her name on it. Matt guided her to her designated seat. After the children were all seated, all the parents were asked to gather around and stay until after the prayer.

Then it was done. It was time to say goodbye.

Kaela grew silent when she realised what was going on. I could see that she was fighting off tears. The other children started crying as they said goodbye to their own mummies and daddies.

"Don't worry. I'll come pick you up this afternoon. You'll have a wonderful time... I love you and I'm so proud of you!' I assured her before then giving her one last hug and kiss.

Matt went to her side and said his own words of support and encouragement.

She gave us a faint smile and waved goodbye.

When I turned around.. I just lost it. With Matt and Taj behind, I hurried back to the car before anyone could see the unfolding 'mess.' I said I wouldn't cry. I said I would be screaming bloody "Freedom!" I've even pictured myself jumping for joy!

The opposite happened.

When we got home, the house felt totally barren. No screaming. No loud laughs and demands. I felt like I entered a completely different house.

It's just me and Taj 7 hours a day, 5 days a week from now on.

I guess I could work on my chores without being interrupted every now and then. I only have one child to tend to in that given time-frame. I can focus on the business, take longer showers, eat better... But things will never be the same.

Kaela is now a school girl, a student of the world who has so much joy and love and talent to share!

My heart might've broken a little today, but amidst all emotional instability (lol), my soul is soaring with motherly pride. I can't wait for Kaela to learn new things, make new friends, and continue to grow into a wonderful person she already is.

How about you, mumsies? How did you feel after sending your child off to school for the very first time?

Share your story in the comments section below!

'Til the next post!

Kat