Today’s blog is written by Harford Magazine Editor Jennifer K. Dansicker:

Today was a day! My three babies went back to school today, only they aren’t my helpless little babies anymore. Henry started second grade, Audrey first grade and my littlest, Stanley, moseyed his way into kindergarten.

One, two, three, just like that we walked down the familiar halls of Beth Tfiloh, first Stanley, then Aud, then Henry. Gone — like they were going off to college, I was nervous and excited for them and filled with mixed emotions. I wanted them to need me or cry a little at the thought of leaving their poor lonely mother who fed them, bathed them, and cared for them up-and-until the proverbial school bell rang — but there were no tears — none.

I was too nervous to even take in all the wonderful new reintroductions of friends and first meetings of their new teachers. With bags of labeled and organized supplies in each hand, I got each child systematically situated, gave them a tender kiss and hug and moved on down the hallway. Each teacher greeted the children with enthusiasm and warmth, I felt as if I was leaving them with a good friend. My children went nicely to their seats or to their friends and began to engage. It was harmonious and yet for some reason I was filled with angst. One of them would surely cry or need me in some way, but it just didn’t happen.

As I walked out of the school and through the parking lot, I felt relief. I did it. They did. We all did it.