For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for August 31, 2015

Independence, huh?

Somehow I get the impression that Lizzle’s taking this “independence” business better than mom is.;-D

Very often, the child is ready before the parents.

My grandson just started first grade. Yeah, time moves like a shot.

Lynn’s Notes:

I was much more emotional, much more excited than my children were on their first day of school. Maybe it’s because I remembered so well my own first day — my own foray into the mayhem of new bodies, new bullies, new friends. Maybe I was remembering the size of the classroom where I sat and what I saw. Maybe I could hear the sounds, feel the noise, and taste the scent of new paper and pencils and paint. Maybe I was reliving their excitement at being a “big kid” for the first time. On the other hand, maybe I was just really glad to have the rest of the day to myself.

I was the youngest of four children, and my mother HATED the first day of school. While all the other mothers sere so happy school was in session, my mother grieved. It was really nice to know we were wanted at home. It made going to school easier to deal with. I can’t imagine how sad it must be to have your Mom happy to see you go away.

My mother was a teacher in the same school I attended, so she always wanted us to drive in with her. I hated that. It took a lot of convincing to talk her into letting us take the bus with the other kids. It was hard for her to drive right past the bus stop and see us standing there, in the freezing cold. And we barely waved. Not cool. LOL

In my little town, it was a six-block walk to school. I don’t remember feeling scared or anything; but there were some big streets to cross. Never having gone to kindergarten, first grade was the start for me.

I also had a six block walk to kindergarten in Tulsa OK. Had to cross one of the major streets. There were three of us kindergartners and two older siblings in the neighborhood who all walked together.

I have no memories at all of the trip to school when I was that age. I couldn’t tell you if I walked or was driven, or with or by whomever.It’s like I beamed into the school, and was beamed home.

So much for independance. My first day of school, I walked two blocks holding my mom’s hand. I was so excited and scared. I drove my daughter for her first day. The teacher wanted the kids to dress like cowboys & girls. It was wonderful.

My mom said even our cat danced happily all over the house on the first day of school. No more being fought over by four kids who all wanted custody of Sparky.l Free at last!

My sons first day of kindergarten he cried and ran after me. Which didn’t help me because I cried too. I went home to a very quiet house for the first time in 5 years. Needless to say I cried almost all day. But by the end of the week I was happily putting him on the bus. Enjoining my freedom from all the mamas and fighting between him and his older sisters. That was 15 years ago now I’m faced with the feeling of an empty nest. Just me, hubby and the cats and dogs.

re: above comments, "the late humorist Bill Ballance used to say, “I had as bad a childhood as the next braggart.”

Is it possible to “block” a specific persons comments?

Yes, my 3rd son just went to college but he went the furthest away (the 2nd one actually stayed in town). Needless to say I cried my eyes out. So did my daughters.