Amelia's trip

[Drab]

I have just done one of the hardest things ever, stood at the school gates and waved Amelia off on her first residential school trip to Edinburgh.
Last night as i tucked her up in bed, she looked at me with big saucer eyes, filling with tears, "I'm not sure i want to go mam." she said, "HUH, ya going, its paid for now" i joked but secretly releived.
This morning however she got up and was a little quiet, i gave her a snuggle and talked all positive and supportive about how big she was and all her favorite teachers were going, how she'd probably be sharing a room with Jade and by tonight have forgotten about that heavy churning feeling she'd got - i knew, i had it too.
We got to school and all the children chatted, their worries soon forgot, while all the mothers shuffled awkwardly and just nodded the odd hello, no one dare speak incase they were the one to cry first.
We made our way to the bus Amelia and Jade sat together and waved, i had the biggest false smile on my face and waved back, the bus started up and i thought my heart was going to stop - this was it, my little girl was going to leave for a whole week, taken care of by teachers, not me or my family or my friends i had no control or contact - its not allowed.
The bus pulled away and she waved to me and smiled, i was still smiling that false smile and fighting the tears so much it hurt, then from my left i heard it and i felt so much better Amy Richardson's mum blubbed first!!!!!!
So i'm now off to drop Matthew at nursery and go to work with red eyes .

[Sean Benson]

Oh Dear! Im sure she'll be loving it by tonight, partying on down with all the other kids!

I think it terrible though that you arent allowed to contact your own child when away from home. Who do these people think they are? Your child is your flesh and blood, your responsibility and your family. How dare they say you cant talk to her!?................

On the other hand she probably wont want to talk to you as you'll be cramping her style be tonight!!!

Hey Ho! The joys of parenting.............

[Drab]

They also said that they weren't allowed to take any sweets, but when she unpacks she'll find 3 bars of chocolate and a packet of her favourite cookies!!

[Sean Benson]

As long as you didnt pack her off with any 'coke' .................. she'll be fine!

[Drab]

I went into school after i'd taken Matthew to nursery, just to make sure they had got to Edinburgh safely and there were no problems - everything was fine.
So I just happen to mention that i didn't know who Milly was roomed with, and could they tell me. Well they weren't going to but when i stood there giving them one of 'my burst into flames cos i'm going nowhere look' they decided they'd better - NOT JADE, this will have been a devastating blow for my little chick, but the one consolation is that one of the other girls she's roomed with will definitly have more than 3 bars of chocolate and a packet of biscuits in her case taking any heat off our Milly!!

[Sean Benson]

I think they probably do this intentionally to get the kids to interact with everyone and try and break down little cliques before they start. nothing worse than a class war on holiday.

[Drab]

Yeah i bet you were a trouble causer wern't ya Benson, while i was a pleasure to teach, it says so on my school reports!!!!

[Drab]

Today i have received a post card with the following message:-

Dear Mum Dad & Matty
I am having a lovely time but i miss you all. We are going to the zoo tomorrow.
My room friends are fab and we are having some laughs.
yesterday we were rolling down hills which was great fun
Love from Milly Moo xxxxxxxxxxxx

So now i'm off to pick Matty up with red eyes again!