Hey! Teachers! Leave those kids alone! (HOL 110)

House of Laughter 110

The last few weeks have been a time of change in my life. I have a new job and am currently experiencing the anxiety and thrill of no longer being a senior employee but instead having to learn new rhythms, personalities, and skills. I’ve started playing softball which has become a much larger and rewarding commitment than I anticipated.

The biggest change though is that Isaac has started school. Nancy has been worried about this day since before Isaac was born. I on the other hand am mildly annoyed that I will have to get up early and go to sleep at a sensible time for the next 13 years.

We went to an open house Sunday night where we learned who his teacher would be. She is new to Isaac’s school, but a seasoned veteran of teaching. I didn’t have much of a chance to meet her as the building was packed with busy small children and parents who look much older than I feel.

His teacher was a last minute addition to the staff, so her room wasn’t particularly prepared, and was relatively Spartan compared to other kindergarten classrooms that I had seen. She is an older woman with grandchildren of her own. Isaac does have two friends from his daycare including one little girl that we have known since she was in the infant room with Isaac at Little Mouse playhouse.

This morning, I parked across the street from the school and walked him to the front door. It was raining and the administration decided it would be better to make the parents wait outside for a mysterious bell which never rang to let us know that we were allowed inside out of the rain.

At the open house, I made Isaac practice finding his way from the front door to his classroom. He led me to the room, put his things in his locker, found his desk (next to his buddy from daycare), and sat down and without hesitation dumped a puzzle that was on his desk upside down to amuse himself.

I knew walking in that he was ready for school. Isaac had been excited about it for months. I had gently ribbed Nancy for years when she said that she would cry on his first day of school. He was showing initiative and comfort in a new environment that as an adult I can’t even muster. So why did I have the completely unexpected lump in my throat as I did a fist pump, shook his hand, and told him “Strength and Honor” before I left?

It wasn’t that “My baby was grown up”, or “I will miss him” or even anxiety about the bullies, administrators, stupid rules, and other assorted bullshit he will have to deal with being a part of any institution for the next 13 years.

My emotions came from a deep sense of pride that I had helped prepare him for this moment. I was proud of the time, care, and love that Nancy had given to nurture his interests and help develop self discipline. Mostly I was proud of Isaac who was entering a completely new phase of life with no fear or anxiety, but excitement at his new found independence and adventure ahead.

Through out the morning, I sent Nancy pictures. She sent me a text inquiring as to how he was. I replied “He sobbed uncontrollably for you and begged me not to leave.” She replied, “Not funny.” (Although later she admitted it was a little.)

Tomorrow will be the second day of school, then the third, fourth, fifth…..etc. Eventually it will be less of an adventure and more of a chore. Not every day is the first day of school. Why shouldn’t it be? We all learn something new each day. We have the potential to make new friends and go new places every day.

To all the students I say, “Learn everything you can this year.” To the teachers, “Don’t underestimate your influence on even your least favorite child in the small moments between formal lessons.”

To the rest I say, “I have got to get in bed. I have to get a kid to school in the morning.”

Strength and Honor
Big Matt