New School Shoes

My youngest surged ahead of the older boys in great anticipation of his first REAL day of school.

He was ready...he knew how to spell not only his first, but his last name, he was sporting his own backpack (jammed with the requested back to school supplies) over his brand new shirt. He happily skipped along with the help of his new shoes!

Wesley had proudly set out his new sneakers the night before. Now, this morning he eagerly put them on and dashed down our hall at Olympic speeds, shouting to all of us..."Let's GO!"

He was bursting with energy as he entered the school yard. No second thoughts and no hesitation as he briskly kissed my nose and whispered...Bye, Mom!

Wow. My youngest was embarking on his academic adventure with confidence and enthusiasm.

I choked up with tears and turned into to my husband's chest.

All the cliched words my mom and grandma have said to me over the years, washed over me at once...

• "They grow up so fast."
• "Before you know it, they're in college!"
• "Savor every minute, it goes by quickly."

I could still feel his hand...now empty where he had clasped it so tightly this morning. My nose tickled slightly where he kissed me good bye and my ears could still hear his excited whisper..."Bye Mom!"

I slowly brushed my lone tear off my cheek and shouted, "Bye, Baby...see you tonight!"