My main reason for attending. Fear! I'm that parent. What if he wonders off, what if someone snatches him, what if he gets left behind and misses the bus...yes, silly I know. But they are real fears placed there by Satan. My second reason for attending. Curiosity! This is all new to us. My kids have also lived in their bubble of comfort. Same friends, church, town, school. Now, their bubble has been popped as well.

We arrived at the museum and the anticipation began as I parked my truck. I watched Charlee get off the bus and line up with his classmates. I could sense he was a little nervous. Once his eyes met mine, he smiled and I could see confidence replace his insecurities. He reached for my hand, and I reached for his. Hand in hand we began our tour. His eyes lit up as he pulled me in every direction. "Mom, look at this!" filled the rooms. At times, he would let go and explore with his classmates. But in the end, I was his comfort. His security.

After the tour we had lunch outside under a big pavilion. We sat at a picnic table with another mom and daugher, and two classmates; however, I felt like it was just the two of us. We enjoyed our one on one conversation as he giggled and nibbled on his sandwich and chips. Once he was done eating I encouraged him to go and play with his new friends. I was anxious to see how he would interact with the other kids. Who would he play with? Is he making friends? As a mom, I just want him to fit in. I want his class to except him. I sat on a park bench by myself observing him.

He ran in the open field of grass chasing the wind while the other kids chased each other. Each time he ran up to give me a hug, I encouraged him to go play with the other kids. He never really interacted with the rest of the children playing unless they engaged him first. Every now in then I would find him with a small group of kids under the tree, but then he would be off again by himself. As I sat and watched, his principal engaged conversation with me. It was a pleasant conversation as nervous as I was. As she went back to the table of parents and teachers, I spotted Charlee running across the field hand in hand with a little girl in his class. I watched as they fell on the ground and began to roll down the hill like logs. My heart leaped with joy. He's gonna be okay. He's gonna make friends.


This was the first time for him to ride a school bus. Although the other kids road back with their parents, he wanted to ride the bus back to school. So we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. On my drive back to school, I had plenty of time to reflect on our day together. I replayed the day in my head and how he didn't really interact with the other kids. This concerned me. Here's the funny thing. God said, "Sarah, how are you any different?"Like mother, like son! I only spoke to other adults when engaged first. I didn't put myself out there as the "new" mom. While the kids played, I didn't sit with the other moms and teachers; but sat on a park bench alone.

Here's what I learned. In the future, when I become a veteran mom, I will remember what it was like to be the "new" mom. Not knowing anyone. Not riding the carpool with the other parents. Don't get me wrong, the parents and staff are friendly and engaging; BUT I want to be like Charlee's little classmate that took him by the hand and rolled down the hill with him. I will embrace the newbie and welcome them to our inner circle. Where are you a veteran? Who can you welcome?