Two people I know have kids going to school this week, one to kindergarten, another to college. All I know is that tears will be involved before and after, hopefully not during the first separation.
I can’t imagine what my parents felt as I, their eldest, went off to school. I felt dread every year and for weeks had nightmares about things like showing up naked for school. In reality, the worst part is that the teachers inevitably butchered my name, first and last, and shy me had to correct them from the back of the room. I also had to pretend to be “average” so I wouldn’t get beaten up on the bus.
These children have so much to live for, and look forward to an education, career, marriage, family, and grandchildren. I always want to help kids along the way, but one must always be on the lookout for those who hurt them as well. Whether it’s bullying or psychological abuse by a parent or other, it’s something that needs to be dealt with.
On a cold winter day two boys stole my hat, threw it around the bus then tore it in half. I was crying when I got to school and a teacher saw me and took me to the principal’s office where I hesitated but finally identified the boys, knowing life would never be the same again as they’d beat me.
It was never the same because I had 12 neighbors, cousins all from the dairy next door, who let the bad guys know never to touch me again (the principal sent a letter home which they tore up and they didn’t have a phone). School is a testing ground, a way to learn both subject matter and social skills.
If I ever go back to school it will be on my terms and I’ll have the best teachers for the subject matter I desire to learn. I’ve done it once, cooking school in Tuscany, a birthday present and one student and I still keep in touch.
Thanks to my precious teachers and professors with whom I’m still in touch, and to my neighbors and protectors during my school years and beyond. Dee
p.s. It won’t be Trump University!
Cooking with Dee 
I was a very shy child, and cried every day when I was dropped off at nursery school, and kindergarten, too. But times change and so do we. Last Sunday I sang an opening verse, solo, in church, backed up by my guitar and mandolin buddies. And then the harmonies kicked in, and all was well. It’s great to have friends!
Congratulations. Perhaps your next solo will be with Kristen Chenoweth on Broadway! I had to sing the first stanza of “Let It Be” at age 12 in front of a crowd. Now I’m more alto/harmonist than lead. I usually score 100% on Beatles Rock Band, though….
Sorry, some of my teachers/professors have passed on and they deserve my thanks as well, Breezy, Mrs. Smith, and Fr. John who taught me art history and history.