My Lucia Paloma became a Kindergartner, in what truly feels like a blink of the eye. Our little family is adjusting to this change, and it seems to be smooth sailing thus far. I miss her, but I smile as I think of her at her very own desk – navigating what feels so big to us – all on her own.
Yesterday morning she fell while running to the school yard to line up for entry. Her palms were cut and tiny tears in her leggings exposed freshly scabbed knees. She was in tears as I lead her through the chaos and mayhem that is woven through mornings of an entire elementary school gathering. I squeezed her up to the front of the line and watched her new teacher hold her hand. My heart was torn – as I had to leave her.
As the lump in my throat continued to build, she looked at me and bit her lip to stop her tears. She put on the most brave face. “I’ll be OK mama” – and off she went.
I haven’t stopped thinking about that little face and the example that she has set for me. She’s inspired me to soon share in this space a burden that has become too heavy for me to bear alone. One that pales in comparison to the plight of many, but one that is profoundly affecting my family.
She has reminded me to get back up again after being knocked down. She has inspired me to be brave.