I put my son on the school bus this morning, and as he waved happily from the window I was struck by no small amount of amazement: I can send my small, precious boy out into the world confident that he would return to me, many hours later, safe and happy. From my driveway to the very large school bus, into the school, through the many rooms and activities of the day, interacting with several adults and many other children, back onto the bus… There are so many people and actions that work together throughout each day that are designed and dedicated to keeping MY child safe and happy. And I don’t have to worry. It’s practically a miracle.
We are so lucky. To live in a community that can make this happen. That WANTS to make this happen. The policy-makers, administrators, teachers, educational assistants, volunteers, other parents, other kids… everyone around me is so invested in my child’s safety and contentment. It’s so simple, it’s been happening for so long – so many generations of other peoples’ safe and happy kids – I have been completely taking for granted how incredible this is. This seems to me to be the pinnacle of civilization.
(First day of kindergarten, back in September. It's now the dead of winter, so picture a fully-bundled youngster in a red coat and black snow pants, climbing the very tall steps of a big yellow bus...)
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