Six going on...

Madeline has taken very bravely to riding the bus to school. We were driving her each day, you know, helping her adjust to the new school. Protecting her fragile six-year-old psyche. "Why can't I just take the bus like the other kids?" She asked on day three. Wish granted.

For whatever reason, the sight of her, wearing a giant pink backpack, waiting in line at the bus stop gives me great pride and satisfaction.

Then we were late one day so I had to drive her. I walked her to class. She saw her friends and ran to join them. I walked behind and when I caught up, gave her a kiss and said, "I love you." She responded, without looking at me, "Whatever dad. Shouldn't you go home now?"