What Should Have Been Meg's Fifth Year

by Deb Mihalko

April 20, 1997

Hello.
I remember what should have been Meg's fifth year, her kindergarten year, very well. I teach in a school that only has grades kindergarten through second. As the special education teacher without a regular classroom, I often assist with extra duties for the opening of school.

My principal requested that I ride on the noon kindergarten bus to assist the Moms that were crying as their children got on the bus. With tears in my eyes, I refused. I don't think he understood but he didn't question my response. I fled because once again my heart broke into a million pieces.

These Mom would be crying because the time had come for them to foster the independence of their child. To say good-bye to them for a short time as their beloved child took the first step on that long road to becoming an independent being.

I am a Mom who was crying because I had to say good-bye to my daughter forever. I would never have the opportunity to kiss her good-bye and have her returned to me in a few hours. How I wish a big yellow bus would stop in front of each of our homes and drop off that sweet child that we hold so close in our heart.

Meg should be turning 8 this coming September. I know I still have many milesstones to face. But face them I will because the only alternative is to forget and I will never forget my most perfect little girl.

Deb Mihalko