On our way home from the airport, Sophie found an opportunity to be cute. Seeing a school bus — one of her favorite things — she launched into a detailed explanation of how she had to go to school, and was going to be late. Halfway through, we had this exchange:
Sophie: I’m going to school!
Mommy: (playfully) Are you going to go away and never come back?
Sophie: (jubilantly) Yep! And I’m not gonna miss you guys!
She later conceded she might start missing us tomorrow, but definitely not today.
In a way, Sophie is right. For many children going to school is the first step into a bigger world, a world where they find their own path. School will change her — as it should. She will undoubtedly miss you, but once she goes through those doors, the old Sophie is never coming back. I hope you don’t miss her too much.