How am I holding up?

I keep hearing that question, with all good intentions I'm sure.  How am I holding up?  I haven't 

had a crisis, injury, illness, or devastation of any sort.  So why, you may wonder am I being 

asked that question.  It's because those who know me well, know that I cry.  I cry at sad songs 

and some happy, movies, books, photos, poetry, and yes... even Kodak commercials.  Things 

affect me.  So what is it this time?  It is that most dreaded time of year... back to school and more specifically kindergarten.
Letting go makes me cry the hardest.  I spent 2 weeks in agony before 

it started, faking that smile and getting her all excited to go.  That was hard.  I've never been a mom 

that wanted the end of summer to come.  End it must however, and each year it kills me a little.  

The first day was Tuesday, you will forgive the bad photos I'm sure when you consider that

 they're not all that bad when you look through tears.  By the way, I managed to not let one drop

onto my cheek.  Tuesday looked like this:

She had a bit of a half smile, nervous but paying close attention.  You have to understand that she

has never stepped foot into a daycare or pre-school, and only 3 times stayed away from home.  I

think she's looking very brave.

(Look there, on the table behind her, the teacher shoots Nikon!  

She has my seal of approval lol!)

Here she is in her great escape.  The first day (only an hour long) is finally over.  She looks so

tiny leaving the classroom.  The rest of the week has been full day, every day kindy.  That really

does break my heart.  I don't like the no easing into school with part time days.  She,

however, LOVES it and wants to go each day.  There have been no tears from her only giggles, 

she's making friends and doing really well.  The days are long and she comes home tired

 and hungry but can't wait to go back.  

So, in answer to the original question, I'm holding up well.  My heart aches but the tears have

finally stopped.  She is so happy with going to school that I can be nothing but happy for her.

I hope that all of you with little ones going to school this year have had as much luck as I have

 in this transition.