Preparing for My Son's First Day of Pre-K

Because I didn't get video or pictures, I wanted to document with the written word my family's preparation for my son's first day of school. It is September 9, 2010. My wife and I are preparing for her sister's wedding in Puerto Rico -- 9 days hence. We are in good shape financially, with the exception of a huge federal back-tax obligation and a couple of student loans. I am gainfully employed and my wife and I work from home for an entrepeneur in a start-up with a huge upside. After the wife's sister's wedding, we intend to renovate our apartment, put it on the market and move to climates more hospitable to a developing family. Our son will attend a private school for pre-K as part of a city sponsored program that covers much of the expense. Our son is 4 years old, beautiful, lively and inquisitive. He is already comfortable using computers, he reads and he's not afraid of numbers. Tonight, at approximately 6:30 PM, my wife and I introduced him to his brand new school supplies. Using stickers depicting characters from a couple of his favorite TV shows and movies, we customized his folders, allowing him to lead the way. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sun was setting on a partially cloudy, rather cool Thursday afternoon. There was a brisk wind and the leaves beyond our picture window swayed in the breeze. In the twilight, our boy sat at the dining table opposite my wife and me as she announced to him, piece by piece, his required school supplies. As his eyes lit with joy at the sight of each of them, my wife and I were struck with those emotions known only to loving parents. My eyes met with hers, and no comment was necessary. During this process, our daughter joined in. She had no idea of the significance of the moment. Regardless, she was going to participate, and was prepared to offer loud, disconcerting protest in the form of one of her patented tantrums if she was denied. Not wanting to risk that, my wife acted to placate her with a make-shift folder of her own that she could customize with left-over stickers. Mission accomplished. Our children are wonderful. I am thankful everyday for them, and for my wife.