Every year, 26,000 babies are stillborn in America. In 2003, one of them was my son.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Another Day, Another Milestone

I've been thinking about this day all year, wondering what I would do when it arrived. Would I stand on the school lawn, a voyeur into the marking of a moment, many moments, staring at others' tears and smiles? Would I enter into the circle, as I so wanted to do, to both welcome and send off, to be a witness for the parents and children starting a new chapter in their lives? What would I do, on this day that would have meant something for my family, if things had worked out differently?

Today, Ben would have started kindergarten. There are milestones on this journey that we mark; in the first year, the holidays, the gatherings missed, the first birthday, the first anniversary of loss. Later, more birthdays, significant moments, like this one. I won't ever have a day to mark when he might have married, had his first child, no certain date for his first day at college. But this day, this day I know.

I watched for a few moments, from the playground, as James played with a friend, as the kindergardeners gathered,some of them crying and hugging their parents, reluctant to take this big step. The parents took photos and wiped away tears, promised to be back soon, that all would be okay. I walked away as they gathered in their circle on the lawn to mark the official start of their formal educations, holding James in my arms.

"Why you stop and look, mama?" he asked me.

"Because I wanted to," I replied, my voice full of tears.

9 comments:

Mrs. Spit said...

I'm sorry. I remember being at a seminar about coping with grief at Christmas and the person leading it, who lost their new baby to SIDS 30 years ago, commented that things like the first day of school go largely unmarked.

I'm sorry. I wish Ben was here.

Michele said...

Sending warm thoughts...

from LFCA...

Anonymous said...

What an incredibly difficult day. I'm so sorry.

Much love to you.

Aunt Becky said...

I'm remembering with you. I'm so sorry.

Monica H said...

It's these would have been moments that make it all so hard.

((hugs))

Monica

Fran said...

From LFCA, giving you a virtual hug. I'm so sorry for the sadness of this day. Much love, Fran

HereWeGoAJen said...

I wish you were taking Ben to school every morning.

I'm thinking about all of you.

Living in the Rainbow said...

Yes this must be one of those days you just have to get through. Marrinade in the meaning but not drown I hope.

Our only son started school a couple of weeks back. Abigail would have been 10 months a few days back.

One foot in front of the other I guess.

Cara said...

sorry..premtively published by hitting a wrong buttong.

Emma would start 3rd grade tomorrow.

*sigh* It's always there.