We parked in front of the school, where a group of students he had never met awaited. I walked him to the double doors, resisting the urge to slip my arm around him. I stopped to speak to a staff person to get details on when and where to pick him up. Then I forced myself to walk away, get into my black kia, and drive out of the parking lot without him. My heart was heavy with worry but I refused to let the tears sting the back of my eyes. I had to trust that he'd be fine. This was just another rung on the ladder to manhood. But it felt like the first day of kindergarten all over again. I left my son alone at the gym of a new school where the entire high school football team had gathered for their first practice. He was surrounded by a hundred students, a couple familiar faces, and no friends. And I was home breathing into a paper bag. One of the hardest things for a mom is letting go, and learn to step back and trust God with her children. I always thought … [Read more...]