The Goodbye Window

Last year I read a blog post about a mother dropping her child off at daycare.  She wrote about how she says goodbye and then races to the parking lot to see her child's face smiling out the window and waving goodbye.  I commented on the post about my hopes that I, too, would someday get this opportunity.  I honestly looked for that post this morning, but couldn't find it.  But I have finally gotten my own "goodbye window."

Benjamin moved up to the three year old class at the end of August.  Last year his class was on the other side of the building.  His window overlooked the playground.  This year, it overlooks the parking lot.  And one morning last week, as I was getting into my van, I heard a little voice yelling, "Mommy!!"  I looked up and there he was.  I could only see the top of his head, but he had both hands out the window waving at me.  I called out, "Bye Buddy! I love you!" and waved back.  Then he sent me two "I love you" hands and waved those.  I returned the gesture.

It's sweet to have this way to say goodbye in the mornings.  I am not the mom to regret having to work or wishing I could stay home all day with my kids.  Don't get me wrong, I love my kids, but I enjoy my job and the work that I do.  Sure, I miss them during the day, but I think I am a better mother this way.  But I truly enjoy the fact that he is so happy during the day.

Benjamin loves his school! He loves his friends, he loves his teachers, he loves the toys and the playground.  He gets an age-appropriate schedule that he sticks to throughout the week.  He gets a break from his brother and sister.  He is learning and doing so much!  We are so very fortunate to have him in this placement.

And I am so thankful for the teachers and staff at this school who take such good care of him.  They know how to "do" pre-school and they do it well.  I feel confident that when he is away from me during the day he is receiving superb love and care. 

This morning, I kissed the sticky chocolate face of a boy who had stolen a few sips of my peanut butter-chocolate-banana smoothie this morning.  I hugged him tight, kissed both cheeks and both ears, and walked backwards down the hallway alternating between waving and "I love you" signs.  Then I ran my Zumba-tired legs down the stairs and out to the parking lot.  He still beat me!  He was at the window calling, "Mommy!" and waving.  I blew some kisses, yelled, "I love you" and got in the van; so thankful for my "goodbye window."