Day one - done

Before I even got out of the car after my first day at the new job, I was mobbed by my three favorite girls.  Squeezes and smooches gave way to homework and studying with relative ease.  They sat down to dinner, and we did our normal dinnertime question.  It was almost too smooth.  We almost forgot that everything had changed.

Then Maya remembered.  I know this because she had a complete breakdown at the idea of doing it again today.  So, after her bath, we snuggled up together and took deep breaths.  She pressed her baby soft face to my chest and wrapped her tiny little arms around my waist.  And she cried big, sadly quiet tears while her still wet hair hid my own heartbreak.

I love you, mami.  It's all going to be alright.

Ok, mama.

This morning, she was stuck to me like glue.  Just like when she was a toddler, she sat on my feet while I washed the breakfast dishes.  Just like the first day of school, it took a few extra moments to let go of my hand.  Just like every time her papi takes them for the weekend, she came back for another kiss.

I'm sorry I cried, mama.  I know you don't want to leave us.  It'll all be alright.

I'm sorry it has to be like this, love.  But, yes, it will all be just fine.

So, we survived day one.  One small step, one giant leap.