All Smiles

Meredith & Mrs. Harakal

First Day Photos

The Kissing Hand

August 19, 2003

Today was Meredith's first day of Kindergarten!

Last night I read Meredith one of my favorite stories titled "The Kissing Hand." It is the story of a little raccoon who is going off to school for the first time. The little Raccoon's mother tells him that "Sometimes we all have to do things we don't want to do even if they seem strange and scary at first." Then she told him that he will love school once he starts. The little raccoon's Mom helps him feel loved and secure by kissing the center of his hand. She reminds him that her love is always right there. And, if he should ever feel frightened or lonely, he should simply hold his hand to his face and he will feel her love.

This morning as Meredith walked into her new kindergarten classroom, she turned to me with a big smile on her face and gently pressed her little hand to her cheek just like the little raccoon's mommy instructed him to do if he wanted to feel her love . . . and I cried all the way to work.

I am truly blessed!

Meet Your Teacher Night

Meredith & Mommy couldn't wait to go to "Meet Your Teacher" night at Meredith's new school! Meredith's kindergarten teacher's name is Mrs. Harakal, and she is really sweet! Meredith & Mommy enjoyed meeting Mrs. Harakal and getting to know some of Meredith's new classmates and their families. Then, everyone enjoyed Amy's Ice cream together! ~ YUMMY!

Kindergarten Girl

The First Day of School

She started school this morning

And she seemed so very small

As I walked there beside her

In the kindergarten hall.

And as she took her place beside

The others in the class

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw her as

She first learned how to walk

The words that we alone made out

When she began to talk.

This little girl so much absorbed

In learning how to write

It seems as though she must have grown

To girlhood overnight.

Oh how I longed to stay with her

And hold her by the hand

To lead her through the places

That she couldn't understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride

For I knew she would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But she must have her chance to live

To work her problems out

The privilege to grow and learn

What life is all about.

And I must share my little girl

With friends and work and play

She's not a baby anymore ~

She's in kindergarten today.