by Sabrina Garibian posted in Parenting

I can't write this without crying. Multiple times. My little boy is starting kindergarten this fall. He's ready. I'm not.
I just brought my son home from the hospital yesterday, all wrapped in a soft muslin blanket with that fresh baby smell. At least it seems like yesterday, and the idea of sending him off into this scary world alone brings tears to my eyes.

The last summer before kindergarten feels especially important. I'm the mama bird getting ready to send my baby bird to fly out of my nest. It's the first time my child will be away from me every single weekday. He will even take the bus each morning and afternoon, something the veteran moms in my neighborhood have insisted we do from day one. Every morning as I think of him starting kindergarten, tears well in my eyes. I am happy for him. He is excited and he will do well. I know it. But I'm sad for myself. I'm not ready for this next step and I'm not ready to let go. I want him to stay under the safety of my mama bird wing, in the safety of my kangaroo pouch, under my watchful and loving eyes forever.
When my oldest started preschool it was a breath of relief. I could run to the grocery store with only my second in tow, and I enjoyed the little three-hour break from parenthood a few days a week. Starting kindergarten is different. It's a long day and he will spend more time at school each day than he will with me at home in the afternoons.
Hope
A veteran mom sent me this p...