Today’s the day
You’re off to school
My time is mine, again
But bitter sweet
the day does feel
A fool, I guess I am
With nervous smiles
and hopeful eyes
We waved and said goodbye
But what is this?
What the heck?
There’s something in my eye…
My baby’s gone
She’s gone for good
No longer home, with me
She’s growing up
it’s for the best
Really- it must be
I’ll take deep breaths
and soon I’ll know
the joys of my own time
I’ll learn to own
that space and peace
I’ll cherish that it’s mine
But in this moment,
on your first day
I cannot jump with glee
My heart- it hurts
and so do I
’til your little face, I see
But when you tell me
all was well
I will then exhale
My little baby’s growing up
the passing of time
prevails
Tomorrow I’ll be better
Tomorrow,
I won’t cry
But for today,
I’ll honour you, my baby
Today I’ll say goodbye
This poem was written last year, after I dropped my littlest girl off for her first day of Junior Kindergarten. It was raining and I was filled with emptiness and anticipation. I knew that she would be fine but I missed her. I needed to hear from her about how her first day went before I could feel at ease.
When I picked her up, she was tired but happy. She’d made some new friends. Upon hearing this news, I felt instantly ready to embrace the next phase of my life as kid-free woman.
One year on, and after a long Summer, I am ready to bid my ladies adieu! Love them. Miss them. But, I’ve settled into this next stage of life and have become quite accustomed to it, in fact.
I’ve started Martinis & Motherhood and have been writing.
I’ve got plans and dreams! It’s so fulfilling to have that, again.
To mothers who are finding it hard to say goodbye, it will get better…
It’s your turn now, take it.
Nice Shan. I remember your first day. Love, Mom
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 15:11:54 +0000 To: daywills@live.ca
It’s good that you do, Mom, ’cause I don’t! Unless there is a picture of it or it was filmed, I don’t remember it! Lol
These transitions are so bittersweet, aren’t they? Love the poem.
Absolutely, Sarah, but that was then and this is now! Lol.