First Day of Kindergarten

This would have been Ginny’s first week of kindergarten. I miss her so much it hurts. In lieu of a first day of school picture, I want to share pictures of one of our most treasured items from her memory box, the mold of her hands. I’m forever grateful to the nurse who took molds and imprints of Ginny’s hands and feet. These hands should have grown and should be opening the door to elementary school. These hands should be coloring and learning how to write. These hands should be shaping playdoh. They should be giving high fives to new friends. I should be holding these hands and listening to how her first day of kindergarten went. Instead I hold this hard and motionless little casted sculpture, forever the size of a newborn’s fists. Still I admire every knuckle, fingernail, and chubby little finger. Still these are my precious child’s hands. It’s what I have.

For everyone missing a child who should be starting or going back to school, you are not alone. This time of year is hard.