The Heart of Life

Today was the first day of 3 Year Old preschool for Meg-a-lou. I missed ALL the back-to-school stuff last week due to our vacation, so I was a little nervous about how Meg would be . . . going into a new classroom and new teacher without having seen either one before. I went to all the trouble to request special permission to bring Meg IN to class instead of doing the car pool drop off. I just wanted to be sure she was OK with the whole gig.

As we entered . . . Meg at my side, Kate on my hip . . . Meg put her little hand to her mouth, which is what she does when she's nervous or anxious. Meg is totally my worrier. The slightest thing can seem to tip her off, to make her cautious and upset. She asks a LOT of questions about new things, though she usually manages change pretty well.

We walked down the hall together, and I assured her that everything was fine . . . the same school as last year, just a new teacher/classroom. We approached the classroom door, and she saw her hook with her name. Meg slung her bag on the hook, entered the room, and that was that. No whining, no worry. No looking back for Mommy. (And I couldn't help thinking: Man! I got myself all dressed and Kate out of the car for nothing!)

It was a good day. Meg returned home to tell me all about her new environment, including the fact that Isabella had a jacket with Elmo on it. Of all the things for her to notice . . .

Anyway, Meg's back at school. Kate and I are back to running mommy/baby errands on Tuesday mornings.

I'm cheating . . . I've used these lyrics before, two years ago when I miscarried Baby 2. The lyrics struck me as so true then, and now -- 2 years later and in totally different circumstances -- they are still ringing in my ears. They still can bring tears to my eyes if I let them. But days like today reaffirm what I believe: the heart of life IS good.

The Heart of Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS8NvoMudy8

I hate to see you cry

Lying there in that position

There's things you need to hear

So turn off your tears and listen

Pain throws you heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No, it won't all go the way, it should

But I know the heart of life is good

You know it's nothing new

Bad news never had good timing

Then the circle of your friends

Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No, it won't all go the way, it should

But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

Fear is a friend who's misunderstood

But I know the heart of life is good

I know it's good
--John Mayer

(A few pictures of how Kate spent Meg's first morning at school: playing with all her favorite toys that big sister always takes away from her!)