Last First Day of School

August 25th
"Let's go bosco! It's 6:42. Time to get your butt out of bed. You're a senior in high school and I'm still in here getting you out of bed!"
"OK, I'm up. I'm up!"
"Just make sure you stay up."
"Do you want any breakfast? I could get you some cereal."
"When was the last time I ate breakfast before school?"
"OK, do you have everything? Do you have your cell phone? Remember it's got to be off and out of sight. How about your lunch money? Do you have your lunch money? And your clarinet… where's that? Do you have to bring your clarinet today?"
"No, I don't need my clarinet today. Yes, I've got my lunch money. Jeez, Dad, this isn't my first day of school…."

"Daddy, is the bus almost here?"
"Pretty soon, buddy. It'll be here in about three minutes. If you look right over there through the gap in those trees you'll see it coming. Then it'll round that turn in the road and stop right here. Yours is the first stop!"
The little hand gripped mine just a bit tighter.
"How will I know where to go when I get to school?"
"Well, remember we learned about that last Friday? They'll lead you off the bus and into the cafeteria. Then your teacher will come get you and show you to your classroom."
"Will I know anyone?"
"I don't know. You might know someone. But even if you don't you'll make lots of new friends."
"I wish Bobby were in my class."
"I know but you'll see him at recess. Are you excited?"
No answer.
"Are you nervous?"
"A little."
"It'll be all right. You'll have fun."
"No I won't."
"OK, here comes the bus!"
"Daddy, why can't you take me?"
"That's what the bus is for. Hold still so I can take a couple of pictures. Try to smile! It's your first day of school! Let me take another one. OK, that's good. Remember Mommy will be right here this afternoon to get you off the bus. Have a good first day! Love ya!"
"Bye, Daddy."
Godspeed, little man.

"Dad? Dad! Dad, are you there? Earth calling Daddy…"
"What? Oh, I, uh, was just looking at my camera. This silly digital camera is new and I'm still trying to figure out how to use it."
"Well, if you want to take pictures you better do it quick. I'm driving and I don't want to be late. Traffic gets really bad in front of school."
"OK, stand over there so I can take a couple of pictures. Try to smile! It's your last first day of school! Let me take another one. OK, that's good. I don't know what time your mother will be home tonight. Drive safely! Have a good first day! Love ya!"
"Bye, Daddy."
Godspeed, little man.

K-