LIFE, ACCORDING TO BLAKE
Blake (while giving me the biggest snuggle):  “I’ll miss you, mummy, but I’ll be ok.”

I put my only child on the bus for his first day of kindergarten yesterday.  I was filled with a combination of pride and wonderment.  Where did the time go?

As we waited for the bus to arrive, Blake ran around our driveway with boundless energy and excitement.  His impatience was only rivaled by his anticipation.  It was pretty funny to watch.  Just before the bus rounded the corner, I asked Blake for one last snuggle.  He jumped into my arms and threw his arms around my neck.  He hugged me with all of his might.  It was the greatest feeling ever.  He said softly, “I’ll miss you, mummy, but I’ll be ok.”  The bus stopped at the end of our driveway and his eyes lit up.  He climbed the bus stairs, and I had to laugh that his “larger than him” backpack seemed to be swallowing him whole.  He quickly turned around and headed back down the stairs for one more snuggle with daddy.  With a smile and a look of confidence, he climbed back up and took his seat.  His head looked so little in that window.  He flashed me our “I love you” sign and he was gone.

My heart hasn’t felt this full, yet this empty, since I had to leave Blake in the NICU and go home without him the very first time.  The only difference is that, back then, it was ME telling HIM, “I’ll miss you, Blake, but I’ll be ok.”  And I was.  I still am.

LIFE LESSON:  It’s amazing how some of the hardest life experiences can also be some of the best.  It’s all a matter of perspective.  You CHOOSE the lens through which you view life, so choose wisely.