I made it through day one of first grade without shedding a tear, but the next two days were a struggle. Now I know why so many moms wear sunglasses in the building.

I’ve been parking across the street from school and walking Miss C in all week. After I help her with her backpack and lunch box, I try not to linger. There’s a song that they start the day with, before the pledge of allegiance, before the school pledge, and as soon as I heard the opening strains over the intercom system, the tears began to well up in my eyes. Not just any tears, either. These are big fat mama’s mascara is streaking down her face tears. I walked out as fast as I could Tuesday and Wednesday to keep from bawling.

The song is On My Way by Phil Collins from the Brother Bear movie soundtrack. In case you’ve never heard it, here is a video from You Tube.

And here are the lyrics:

Tell everybody I’m on my way
New friends and new places to see
With blue skies ahead yes
I’m on my way
And there’s nowhere else
that I’d rather be

Tell everybody I’m on my way
And I’m loving every step I take
With the sun beating down yes
I’m on my way
And I can’t keep this smile off my face

‘Cause there’s nothing like seeing
each other again
No matter what the distance between
And the stories that we tell
will make you smile
Oh it really lifts my heart

So tell ‘em all I’m on my way
New friends and new places to see
And to sleep under the stars
Who could ask for more
With the moon keeping watch over me

Not the snow, not the rain
Can change my mind
The sun will come out, wait and see
And the feeling of the wind in your face
Can lift your heart
Oh there’s nowhere I would rather be

‘Cause I’m on my way now-
well and truly
I’m on my way now

(I’m on my way now)
REPEAT

Tell everybody I’m on my way
And I just can’t wait to be there
With blue skies ahead yes
I’m on my way
And nothing but good times to share

So tell everybody I’m on my way
And I just can’t wait to be home
With the sun beating down yes
I’m on my way
And nothing but good times to show
I’m on my way

Yes, I’m on my way