Motherhood & Words

the first day

September 3, 2009 / Kate /

The bus was late this morning, on the first day of kindergarten, and for a while I thought we would have to drive Stella to school. Riding the bus has been the thing about which she has been most excited, and I knew she would be disappointed if it didn’t show up. When it arrived a few minutes later and the driver opened the door and called out her name, we gave her a big hug, and she smiled, waved, and walked right up those steps.

I now understand what “my heart swelled” means. My chest, for the rest of the day, has felt full. I’m so proud of her, my Stella.

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Kate

I have been teaching creative writing for almost twenty years. Reading about other women’s lives and experiences has expanded my world. To be able to walk in someone else’s shoes, whether it’s for a moment or an hour or a few days, is an incredible gift, providing me with insight into the human experience. It takes courage to write your truths, especially if it doesn’t seem as though anyone cares, as though anyone is listening. Let me tell you: your stories matter, I’m listening, and I’m here to help you find the heart of those truths, to get them down on the page, to craft them, and to send them out into the world. Together, we will change the world, one story at a time.

4 Comments

  1. Elizabeth on September 3, 2009 at 11:37 pm

    I love this — a little bit different twist on the first day of school for a kindergartner. Ilove the photo of the bus, driving away. Hope Stella's day was a good one!



  2. Leightongirl on September 4, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    Oh first day of K! Wow. Just wow. I cried On Josie's.



  3. kate hopper on September 5, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    She loved it, and said how much better it was than preschool: "because I'm going to learn so many new things!" It doesn't get much better than that.



  4. The Blue Suitcase on September 10, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    oh, snif!