Early in elementary days, there are fresh crayons, neatly lined writing pads, clean pink erasers, and fat, comfortable pencils jumping to be used. New faces, new sounds, and most times, new shoes meet the challenge of another school year. Later in middle and high school, a flood of shifting schedules and erratic hormones make first days a terrifying but exhilarating mix of motion and experience, still laced with new notebooks, ink pens, and backpacks. The experience crosses age boundaries. One day of change, and the point that delineates summer haze from fall clarity slips into place.
Schools are in session.
Everyone looked a bit nervous. The look on their faces differed little from a kindergartner, momentarily turned around in the big hallway, searching for the restroom. Yet, everyone survives. The changes, even if with discomfort, often prove great life-tools when they shoot us off in a positive direction. She was ready and waiting for the bus the next morning.