The longest walk....

Cole, this week was a big week for you. At your school, this was the first week that they made you guys walk into school alone, carrying your own stuff, without your mamma.  They are getting you ready for kindergarten.   I had a feeling this would be hard for you and although I started to prepare you a couple weeks ahead of time.  You still didn't like the idea one bit.

The week before, every day when we pulled up to school, you fretted about whether it was "the day" or not.  On Sunday night, the day before you were to take your first walk alone, we chatted. I did my best to prepare you and give you that extra bit of confidence you needed.  We talked about how sometimes there are hard things in life - and you just have to do them.  And believe in yourself.  You seemed to be good to go. Even that morning during breakfast, you were seemingly anxiety free about it.  And then we pulled up to school.  And you clammed up and broke free of your seatbelt, scurrying to the back of the car.  You didn't want to go.

JD and I got you out of the car and I put your backpack on you.  We walked up to the door together and suddenly, you clung to my legs.  Big, big, giant tears started down your cheeks.  You were trying so hard not to cry - but you just couldn't help it.  Something was holding you back. You couldn't go alone.  Some of your friends arrived and they waited for you, with JD, so you could walk with them. But you wouldn't let go of me.  So JD and the kids went ahead.  My heart broke for you. But I just knew you could do it - and once you did it one time, you would be good to go.  You took 5 steps away and 2 back.  5 more away, and 2 back.  Eventually you were half way down the hall as I stood and tried to shuffle you along, by yourself.  I talked to you all the way down the hall.  As hard as it was for you - it was equally hard for me watching you go because it was so hard for you.  I kept telling you that you could do it. And you did.

The next day, it was easier.  I think you even smiled when you walked in the door.  And the next day, you did even better.  As I figured, by the end of the week, you're walking in like you've done it a thousand times.  You still walk backwards waving the whole time - which makes me smile.  Your confidence is growing.  Little by little.  I knew you could do it!