That Was Your 1st Day,Son

On your first day of school, we were both filled with anxiety. Although you had previous experience attending daycare and being outside for a whole day, going to school on a bus with unfamiliar going-to-be schoolmates and classmates was going to be a new experience for you. The day finally arrived on June 7th, 2023, and waking you up at 6 am proved to be a challenge, as it still is even after more than a month. However, the amusement and excitement of a 4.5-year-old child amused me.

After completing our usual

morning routines, we dressed you in your brand-new school uniform. I could not

resist taking a few photos to treasure it for the future. I accompanied you to

the pick-up point. The bus was running late, so I called the driver, who

reassured me that they would arrive shortly. As we waited, I observed other

parents with their tiny tots, all sharing the same sense of anxiousness. When

the bus finally arrived, all hell broke loose and chaos ensued as parents

guided their children onto the bus, tears and wails filled the air. You were no

exception, and I watched you through the window, trying to comfort you with possible

gestures while tears streamed down your face. It felt as if you were upset with

me for leaving you all alone on that massive bus. As a father, this was a

heart-wrenching experience for me and I was on the verge of pulling you out of

the bus to embrace you. However, I understood the importance of school, making

friends, having teachers, and learning new skills. I stayed there even though

tears were rolling down my cheeks. It was difficult for me as well Ethan. The

captioned photo stirred the emotions of everyone who saw it later and expressed

their empathy and sadness.

These emotions and phases are

an essential inherent part of everyone's life. With time, children adapt to

school life and start enjoying it. Though the difficulty of boarding you to the

school bus continued for a few days but you very well acclimatized to the new environment.

After a month, you have become comfortable with going to school every day. Now,

let me share a secret with you: I ran away from school on my first day and did

not attend school for the next few days. It was difficult for your grandparents

too.  So, in comparison, you displayed more

courage and hence, braver than me. Don't divulge my secret to anyone, please. 😊

Attending school and acquiring

new skills is crucial for every child. While some privileged children attend

schools with teachers and a protected environment, there are less privileged

children who face various constraints and may not have access to these

institutions. However, in a technologically advanced and liberalized world,

knowledge is no longer confined to a few. Learning from the school of life is

equally important. I'm confident that you will seize the opportunity to learn

and develop skills and knowledge that will help you succeed in life.

Wishing you a joyful learning

journey, my son.

Truck loads of love and affection.

Papa