Independence Days.
World-Weary 3rd Grader in 2012
Even last year if I were later than usual for after school pick up,
Liam would have a furrowed brow and quietly say he was worried when I stayed away that long.
Yesterday, we had a first. I have often observed the long line of cars stopping just long enough in front of the flagpole to eject children wearing backpacks, looking for all the world like skydivers hurtling out of planes horizontalIy. I would wonder longingly at what grade we would feel freed from morning daycare sign-ins or walking him to class.
I have the answer. 3rd. Yesterday as we drove up I asked him if he wanted his brother and me to park and come with him to wait outside his class, or if he preferred the drop off. He considered and said, “I’m good. Just let me out.”
So, I reminded him where to walk, which made him roll his eyes and grunt, “I KNOW, Mom.” Then I did the whole ejection ritual I have observed for so long and drove off only after being forced by the crosswalk lady to move the hell out of the way. I craned my neck to make sure he made it inside and drove off with mixed pangs of sadness that he doesn’t need me anymore and guilt over loving the fact we had just saved 20 minutes for my work day.
Oh, and can’t hold his hand anymore, but between us chickens, don’t tell
Liam’s friends, but he still loves a snuggle at night. When will that end?
Adventures in Boydom 