Today is Kellan's last day of preschool. Although part of me is relieved that I don't have to truck it to the island for a few months, a big part of me is so sad for her. When Kellan started in September she was a special acceptance. Instead of being 3 by December 1st, they let her come in at two and a half. Although it didn't seem like a big deal at the time, I came to realize what a huge disadvantage it was for her. All the other kids in her class where a full year older than her. For months she didn't really seem to make any new friends. My heart used to ache when I'd spy on her and see her all alone. Over the past few months her "briends" have been so good to her. I've watched friendships blossom and I have nurtured them to the fullest of my ability. She talks about them every day and can't wait for the next day of school.
So why so sad? Kellan will be repeating the 3's again. All her friends are moving up to the 4's. She won't see her friends anymore and I won't see their parents. They're my friends too. Telling her this is her last day with them and kissing her goodbye ripped my heart in two. I realize it's just preschool, but those kids really are bonded. I know she's going to ask about them over the summer. I know when she walks in to her first day next year she'll expect to see them and instead be jarred by all new faces. Hopefully she will see it as making more friends and not new ones. That's all a Mommy can hope for.
