The Boy in the Blazer

FEELING: Bittersweet.

A letter about the first day of school, learning to let go and how love is often spelled T-I-M-E.

Dear Leo,

It is 1:45 on Monday afternoon as I write this.

You are at school.

A full day today, your first. 8:15 until 3:15. I’ve got to get used to this new schedule myself.

The good news is that I’ve just got a new bike, with a seat on the back for you. I have to admit, I thought we might have moved beyond the stage where I’d need a child’s seat. Knowing how much you love riding your own bike, I wondered whether it might be redundant.

But the advice I’ve had from other parents is that when you finish school, you’ll be tired and you’ll be hungry. So I thought even a fifteen-minute cycle along a slightly lively road won’t be the most sensible way to end your day.