Today, I surrendered my second born, Lydia, to the British
schooling system. I am sure like most parents out there; we experience a mixed
concoction of emotions. I look at her and I think, all of a sudden, surely she
can’t be ready for school so soon. I had the same cocktail tug-of-war feelings
when Eden started school last year (September).
When you see them in their uniform looking all proud and
excited, you can’t help but be happy for them; I know she’s ready! Being the
most docile, polite and friendly little girl I know; she is bound to get on and
make friends quickly, thus acclimatising to her new version of a daily routine,
her new ‘norm,’ so to speak. And that, right there, is my problem... how can
you entrust that precious life that you have nurtured and raised, up until this
point, to another... to a stranger?
This is an act I wouldn't consciously commit on my worst
day. But the world says you cannot shelter them forever, you can’t protect your
progeny from a world of hurt, nor can you expect to be the only exalted figure
in their lives.
The truth is I knew all along that she would be fine. She did
absolutely perfect, even made (or rather maintained) new friends, which she had
met during her settling period. The problem was never hers but rather my own. It
is hard to let go and I still cannot help but think, please let me keep her for just a little while longer.
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| Nursery & Preschool: Lydia's graduation ceremony. |
So, off you go now, my sweet Lydia... into the great wide world, all
a-smile, confident and full of hopes and dreams.
