He held my hand as we walked down the side walk toward the school. We talked about what he was looking forward to- coloring and playtime. He assured me he wasn't nervous. When we reached the school we entered on the green hall. He knew where to go to reach the red one. We reached our 'good bye' spot under the sky light and he told me "alright Mommy we are here!" I told him how proud I was, that Jesus would be with him, and that I loved him. Then I kissed him and he was off with a quick "bye Mommy". Moms all around me sobbed. Strangely, I didn't feel sad. I was thankful. Thankful that he was so excited and that I felt he was ready.
Seven hours later I sat impatiently in the carpool line. Finally he climbed in the car. He buckled up and we headed home. I asked him about his day. He started to tell me and then remembered something. This was the conversation:
Benton, "I have to tell you what I learned"
Me, "What is that, buddy?"
B, "What color is a banana?
Me, "Is this a joke?" (we are all about knock-knock jokes in our house right now)
B, "No Mommy, I really learned something!"
Me, "Okay...yellow."
B, "No, it is white- on the inside!"
He was so proud of himself that he knew something I did not. I was proud of him too, not just for knowing about bananas, but for just being him. He and I both made it through our day without any tears. Ice cream was in order. I don't think I will ever forget today.
