Harry & me, first day of first grade, 1996
This week my niece Jamey, a middle school teacher in Florida, posted happy, first-day-of-school photos of my two great-nephews. The day marked milestones for both boys, as Joe headed off to middle school and Jack to first grade. Their big-day expressions reminded me of the first-day photos Harry’s dad and I used to take. And Jamey’s “flood of emotions” triggered memories of my own teary torrents. (Cue the Kleenex.)
I’ve held onto just about everything from Harry’s childhood: baby teeth, the threads of his first stitches. I even considered saving his shriveled umbilical cord stump, but agreed with his dad that was just too gross. Among the treasured keepsakes is a small yellow paper bag that his first-grade teacher gave to all the parents who brought their child to her classroom on Day One.
It was stapled at the top, and we weren’t supposed to open it until we’d left the school. I waited until Ken and I were in the car. And while he drove, I gingerly inspected the contents of our parting gift. Inside was a packet of Lipton’s Soothing Moments herbal tea, a tissue, a cotton ball and a folded note on yellow paper. It read:
Dear Parent(s):
Congratulations! Your child has made it to first grade! Having a child be in school for a full day can be an emotional time for a parent, too. I have made this little care package for you. After you have wiped any tears with the tissue, make yourself a nice warm cup of tea. Put your feet up and relax. Then hold the cotton ball in your hand. The softness will help you to recall the gentle spirit of your child. I will work with you this year to help your child grow and have a positive experience.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hustad
I wiped a salty mix of love and relief from my face. Our little boy was going to be happy and safe at school. I clutched that cotton ball in my hand all the way to the office. I didn’t put it back in the bag until my assistant asked if I’d cut my hand.
I thought about Harry’s lovable and capable gentle spirit all day. And on my way back to school at the end of the day, I couldn’t wait to tell him, I’m so glad you’re you.
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“No matter what their age or gender expression, kids need to hear this.”
Those bittersweet moments never stop with your children. They learn, they grow, they leave, and return. It’s a heartache and joy that makes life beautiful.
So true, Larry. And there’s nothing sweeter than seeing their self-esteem guide them to happy, productive and fulfilling lives. xo
What a great teacher! I love the pics of Harry and look at your hair!!!
She was the best, Kat, and her classroom was a magical place. And, yes, I had several bad hair decades! xo
Beautiful, heartfelt and amazing as ever. Thank you Julie xxxxx
Thanks, Suzanne! Cheers to you and all the moms raising happy, confident kids. xo
I would have loved it if there was a nice lean corned beef on rye with brown mustard and a good Kosher dill pickle in that bag but Mrs. Hustad was probably a bit more sensitive. Or, was she??
I remember the first days that my kids went to school all day and we were all happy about it.
Soon, they get to relive it with their own kids. It isn’t a slice of corned beef but it is a slice of life.
Thank you for making me laugh (and hungry!) Rickshala. You’re a lucky grandpa. xo
Aww, how sweet you both look on his first day! And what a lovely gift from Mrs. Hustad. I remember Tanner’s first day of kindergarten better than 1st grade. His 1st grade teacher was a total ditz, kindergarten teacher was a lovely woman. I think I need to sort through all of Tanner’s things now that he’s moved out and has no emotional attachment to anything. I kept everything. Thanks for stirring up those great memories, Julie!
We can sure thank out lucky stars for those wonderful teachers!Have fun, Renee, going through Tanner’s childhood things. Keep a box of tissues handy. xo