Turning Corners

Preschool has been an adventure for us both. While he loves school, loves his projects, seems to have friends and is all smiles coming home... going to school is another story. For the past several weeks, this little guy has been pulled off my leg in quiet tears every morning to go to school. He has been enticed with stickers and other sorts of bribery to say goodbye and walk in nicely- to no avail. 

It's painful to watch my son go into school wiping his eyes on his jacket every morning. 

It's awful to push him away and watch him struggle to come back for one more hug. 

It's hard to turn my back when I know he needs me at that moment. 

So, I start to wonder if it's worth it. But, he comes barreling out of class every day in smiles from ear to ear, almost knocking me down. He talks of school with great excitement and can't wait to go and do more projects. 

It has struck me that it's not my job to keep him comfortable and happy all the time. Sometimes it's my (difficult) job to give him wings and let him fly a little.

So, I've been praying (and praying and praying.) He told me last Thursday after school, "I will go in to school nicely on Monday. I won't even cry." After a nice long weekend, we headed to school this morning. I was busy signing in and dropping off snack and asked him to get in line with his friends. Much to my surprise, he did it! Then, the teacher announced it was time to head in. I headed over to give him a hug, but something told me to hold back. I stood back and said, "Have a great day buddy! I'll see you really soon!" He turned and waved and said, "Bye!" with a smile and headed into school. Not a tear. Not a hug. Not a care in the world. 

When he came home, I told him how proud I was of his efforts this morning. He replied, " I told you I would go in nicely and I did!" What a stinker!

I'd say we turned a corner today and I'm hoping we stay on this new road for a while!