A little boy, a mom and the first day back

I'll admit it. I'm a sentimental fool when it comes to children and the markers in life.

So, this morning on my way to the office I pass a little boy, he looked to be about six-years-old. He was holding his mother's hand as they walked toward our neighborhood school for the first day of classes in this new school year. For some reason seeing that little guy made me think of all of the other children, young and older who'll make a similar trek this morning.

Of course, I thought of my own grandchildren as my eyes called in a tear or two. All three of them will go back to school today. I remembered the many "first day of school" days I experienced with my own daughters. It's an exciting time. A good time. A nerve-wracking time.

It's not easy being a child today.

I offered up a simple prayer as I drove past that little fellow and his hopeful mom. It was a prayer for every child on this first day of a new school year. A prayer for mercy, hope, opportunity, courage, fairness and safety.

Our children are treasures, every single one of them.

I'll be thinking of him, my own grandchildren and all of them today.

Comments (2)

bringmehomekathleen

Thanks, Larry, for praying for all children around the world today. September 1 is traditionally the first day of school all across Russia. I heard on BBC that this year brings the fifth anniversary of the horrible day in Breslan when 333 people died in a shoot-out between terrorists and government forces. The mothers of the child victims, God bless 'em, have organized and are trying to hold the government accountable. Since when, they ask, are the deaths of a few terrorists worth the lives of hundreds of children?

It seems to me it's a question we sometimes need to ask ourselves, too.

Posted by bringmehomekathleen | September 2, 2009 2:07 PM

Posted on September 2, 2009 14:07

Max Reddick

My fourteen year old son started high school this year, and I had every intention of showing up with a video camera so that I could record the whole thing. But he and my wife talked me out of it.

Milestones like the first day of school and the first day of high school make for invaluable memories. I still wish I had gone to the school and hid in the bushes or something so that I might record the day.

Posted by Max Reddick | September 2, 2009 3:27 PM

Posted on September 2, 2009 15:27

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