As It Should Be

Mary went back to school yesterday. It was a new beginning for her. A new track, a new teacher and a new class. I have prayed and prayed and prayed that this will be a good thing for her. It has been excruciating to watch my little girl suffer so much with school. I felt in my heart that I needed to make sure this change happen, and I did. The rest of it is in the Lord's hands.

The first day of this "new beginning" arrived. I pulled up to the school and we walked over to the kindergarten playground. I held Mary's timid hand. We were both nervous.

When we got to the playground, the bell was ringing. Mary ran and got into her new line, right next to her friend Ella. Ella grabbed Mary's hand as they waited for the teacher. Mary and Ella smiled at eachother and giggled out of excitement that they were in the same class now. Mary looked happy. As it should be.

A little boy standing in front of Mary in line had glasses on. He turned to Mary, and with a very excited voice said, "you have glasses too! Me and my twin brother (who is also in the class) have them. You can cut in front of me if you want to." There was no teasing Mary or making fun of her glasses. As it should be.

Then the teacher came out to get the class and bring them into the classroom. She walked over to Mary and said, "I have been waiting all week to meet you Mary! I am so excited that you choose me to be your teacher. I can't wait to have you in my class. We get to make some really fun pumpkins today. You can sit by Ella if you want to. She can show you around. Our class is going to love having you with us."
By this point, I had a lump in my throat. I was so happy. Mary was looking at her teacher with complete joy and excitement. As it should be.

Then the class walked through the door, and stepped into the classroom. There was no walking down the big scary hall, there was no teacher shushing the kids time and time again. There was no clinging on to me and begging me to walk down the big hallway. Mary just walked into the door and was right in the classroom. She was standing a little taller. As it should be.

When I picked Mary up, her teacher was holding her hand and smiling at her. Mary was beaming!!! She ran to me and the teacher gave me a thumbs up sign and mouthed the words, "She is great!" I smiled back and swallowed the lump in my throat yet again. The teacher had given me the best feedback I could have asked for that day. I could tell she will be a great teacher to work with. And Mary adores her. As it should be.

Mary hopped into the car and talked the entire way home when I asked her how school was. There was no, "school was fine," and then slumping in the seat. This time I heard all about the kids that were so nice to her, the teacher that smiles a lot and let Mary be the calendar and line leader, the fun projects she got to do, the silly riddles she learned at recess with her friends, ect. Our prayers were answered.

Mary is a happy, carefree, excited, and eager kindergartener. As it should be.